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This morning we are transiting through the pack ice approximately 70nm from Syowa having completed the resupply and recovery of personnel. Yesterday the faint horizon developed into clear blue sky and allowed us to commence operations, with the first helicopter on deck at 0833. 21 flights later we had recovered over 70 personnel and the remainder of the JARE cargo. The last helicopter left Syowa at 1527 and landed on the Aurora at 1605. By 1800 the helicopters had been stowed and the ship turned to the north. For the next five hours, progress was slow due to impedance caused by large ice floes that had broken off the fast ice during the last week. This had allowed us to creep closer to Syowa, aiding our flying, but was now slowing our exit. Eventually the ship broke free of this moving jigsaw puzzle and moved into the less troublesome pack ice. The numbers are still being added up, but approximately 140 flights were conducted and over 110t of cargo was shipped between the Aurora and Syowa during this operation. A very big thanks from Voyage Management to all involved in making this happen, including: the Master and Crew of the Aurora Australis; Pilots and Engineers from Helicopter Resources; the Aircraft Ground Support Officers; Cargo Officers and our Science Support Team who became Cargo Officers out of sheer necessity; Meteorological Team and the Syowa Expeditioners. Another thank you has to go to both the JARE 49 & 50 teams who did a fantastic job of looking after our personnel ashore at Syowa - Domo Arigato! Good luck to the JARE50 Wintering Expeditioners and all the best for a productive year ahead. Also goodbye to the Syowa Adelies who have amused the hell out of all of us trapped on the ship with their antics for the past five days - hours of family fun! All aboard are settling into the next phase of our voyage, which will involve a continuation of our extensive marine science program. 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.