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Well we got the Acoustic Recording Package!! As we steamed closer to the location John made electronic contact with the ARP sitting 1900m below the surface on the sea floor. It answered his first call and we decided to tell it to come up. The ascent took longer than we expected which led to some nervous moments, not the least for the Voyage Leader!, as the light faded. Gary kept us circling while John and Simon continued to talk with the ARP and repeatedly encourage it to surface. At last it started to float up and with some amazing seamanship Gerry had the ship come right on to it on the surface in light snow and fading light. Kim was the first to spot it amongst the many eyes on the bridge. The crew worked hard in difficult conditions to put the now floating ARP alongside the ship and to grapple it in order to bring it on board. At last Trent threw the grappling hook of the century, in the dark, to snag it. Trent, Lav and Simon were then joined by a team of people to have it tied off and then hauled on board, to much relief, after 5 1/2 hrs in total. We are now headed towards the second ARP and then into Prydz Bay. Weather and time will now determine if we collect the next mooring or go straight to Davis or Zongshan, stay tuned! Yours Aye Robb and Simon
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.