Information

Vessel:
Report (sitrep) ID:
18441
Universal time (UTC):
20:00
Australian time (AEST):
07:00
Position:
67° 50′ S, 166° 49′ E
Heading:
140 degrees (True)
Speed:
8.5 kn
Distance in last 24 hours:
158 NM
Weather conditions:
Wind Speed 14 knots from 280 degrees, overcast, with clear horizons.
Air temperature:
−3.8 °C
Sea conditions:
Long low N'ly swell
Sea temperature:
−1.6 °C

Comments

On our transit to Scott Island yesterday, we encountered humpback whales in the morning with a total of 3 biopsies collected for the day. In the afternoon due to a lack of whales and acoustic data indicating a very large area of krill behind us, a decision was made to alter our course towards an area of seamounts or shallower water SE of the Balleny Islands (the underwater extension of the Balleny Island group to the SE). We encountered a Fin Whale after dinner last night but Remora worked hard with no luck.
Overnight, the Tangaroa conducted a grid search of the transit area looking for more krill and this morning the sonobuoys detected a lot of "noise" or activity indicating the likelihood of blue whales, fin whales and killer whales. We are currently on the bearing to that estimated location and working humpbacks as we go. Currently, Remora is out working humpback whales spotted by and directed onto by the Tangaroa. The working conditions (weather, wind and sea state) at the moment are the best we have had for a while so we are hoping for a busy day before a forecasted change late today.

REGARDS:

Hully, Sarah and Nick

Map

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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.

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