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For the past 24 hours we have been in an area of dozens of icebergs of all shapes and sizes, including bergy bits (smaller than the ship) and growlers (about the size of a car). Coupled with a lot of old, thick sea ice floes, this area was difficult to navigate and we had to slow down and head north. As a result we encountered some swell and consequently had to stop to de-blade the helicopters and stow them back in the hangar, which took several hours late last night. We have continued westward through the night and today, but the ice conditions, swell and possibility of growlers has forced us to reduce speed. It is currently quite slow going. Yesterday’s northerly winds have compacted the ice and the recent satellite ice chart shows our route towards Davis has become more difficult, although thankfully the wind is SW again now. The passing parade of icebergs has provided plenty of photo opportunities and many people have been out on deck watching them go by. Our preparations for flying operations at Davis are continuing, together with a great deal of recovery planning for the rest of the voyage. It is keeping us all on our toes! PS. As this sitrep went to press a pod of 6 orcas was within a few hundred metres of the ship. Great excitement!
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.