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The pleasant conditions continued last night and into today as we enjoy some relatively calm wind and waves. The 'Southern Ocean Janas saga' (sounds like a name of a John Grisham novel) continues unabated but the good news is that around 1430 today the engineers aboard the Janas clutched in the main engine and it worked! We were all happy to see white smoke coming from her stack, a good sign I'm told by the AA's chief engineer.
The Janas' master intends to keep testing the engine through the night but with no pitch on the propeller. If alls well in the morning then they will slowly put some pitch on and see if the repair will hold. So our spirits are certainly higher than they were yesterday. A vessel will leave Bluff, New Zealand, this afternoon to rendezvous with us tomorrow, with engineers and more spare parts aboard to shore up the temporary repair. Of course the job for the Macquarie Island Towing Service (We're slow but we get you there....eventually) won't be complete until the vessel is safely steaming under its own power.
We should be approaching the Auckland Islands late tonight but will remain well to seaward of the island until we get some decent light in the morning. Cleaning of gear continues throughout the ship, including the helicopters in case they are required to be used. Its a clear 'no clean no getting off' the ship if the opportunity arrives. All of the relevant permits are in place and a big thanks to the New Zealand Department of Conservation for helping get this in order at such short notice.
All aboard are hoping for a successful outcome for the Janas tomorrow, its crew certainly needs a break and for things to go their way for a change. Despite all the troubles they have remained resolute and continued to look day and night for a way to get the engine back and running. Good luck team!!!
You can stop reading here if you aren't interested in the dessert ramblings:
My theory about a rotating menu espoused in yesterday's SITREP may have been a little bit premature as a Flourless Glazed Orange and Poppy Seed Cake greeted us at the Dessert Bar last night. Its amazing what Chef can produce despite the Great Brown Sugar Famine of 2011. Again presentation was faultless with an almost precision placed carpet bombed array of poppy seeds decorating the top, with a thin translucent glaze only adding to the overall effect.
Biting into this firmly packed piece of baked excellence, flavour immediately assaulted the senses and stormed the palette establishing a well fortified beach head. The orange flavour was strong yet subtle and did not overpower the rest of the ingredients. The poppy seeds added further texture to this composition, which in summary was as smooth as a Beyonce ballad but packing an orange fuelled AC/DC punch! Sensational!
Navy term of the day:
Avast - term for stop i.e. Andy's usual state of motion....
Regards
Rob and Andy
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.