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After encountering some challenging conditions amongst the pack ice, we found a good position to commence helicopter operations. It was not the 40nm that we had anticipated but 55nm, which was well within the helicopters' operating envelope. After a couple of hours of preparations and final briefings, the first helicopter (S76) left the deck at around 1245 closely followed by the second (AS350B2). Due to the 55nm distance the first helicopter had to loiter around the ship for the second helicopter to lift off. Once this happened, both aircraft headed into Syowa with the JARE Expedition Leader and Deputy Leader embarked as well as the first mail and fresh fruit in nearly a year for the current Syowa expeditioners. After this, passenger movements dominated the afternoon's activities with 39 expeditioners and support staff transported ashore, plus around three tonnes of priority cargo. All in all a good effort for the first day of a resupply. Well done to all involved. The sun continued to shine all afternoon and today we expect similar conditions. Only six passengers and 81 tonnes of cargo to go. Hopes dashed once more as we woke up this morning to find the fog had rolled in overnight and reduced visibility to less than 50m at times. Not particularly optimal conditions for helicopter operations! There is hardly any wind and we will have to keep our fingers crossed that the fog to lift so that we can crack on with operations today. All doing well, and enjoying the dramatically reduced lines at meal times. Regards, Rob, Aaron and Mick
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.