Information

Report (sitrep) ID:
19251
Universal time (UTC):
03:30
Australian time (AEST):
15:30
Position:
64° 3′ S, 81° 13′ E
Heading:
345
Speed:
3.5 kn
Distance in last 24 hours:
45 NM
Weather conditions:
cloudy, low visibility, moderate breeze
Air temperature:
−7.3 °C
Sea conditions:
flat sea to 0.5m
Sea temperature:
−1.8 °C

Comments

Yesterday afternoon we reached a point where the ice conditions prevented us from going any further along our direct course to Davis. A decision was made utilising satellite imagery to change course and head in a North West direction to seek an alternative, less ice intensive route into Davis. A possible ice reconnaissance by fixed winged aircraft may be available tomorrow, weather permitting, from Davis to assist us in finding the best route through the ice.
In spite of our delay on the voyage the morale on board remains high. We have certainly had the full Southern Ocean experience on this voyage. Additional training sessions are being organised for the expeditioners.
Yesterday evening Kate gave us a presentation on Heard Island, which with Macquarie Island, are Australia’s sub-Antarctic Islands. Everyone found it very interesting as there is no permanent station on Heard Island and only Kate on board has had any experience of staying there. Kate’s talk was around her experiences whilst living on the Island in a field camp carrying out scientific research.
The on board photo competition is nearing its conclusion more on that in the next sitrep.
The weather continues to be overcast with low visibility due to a slow moving low to our north west. Clearer weather would assist greatly in finding the best route to Davis.
Cheers Tony and Mike

Map

180° 170°W 160°W 150°W 140°W 130°W 120°W 110°W 100°W 90°W 80°W 70°W 60°W 50°W 40°W 30°W 20°W 10°W 30°E 40°E 50°E 60°E 70°E 80°E 90°E 100°E 110°E 120°E 130°E 140°E 150°E 160°E 170°E 80°S 70°S 60°S 50°S 40°S 30°S 20°S 10°S 0°N 10°N 20°N 30°N 40°N 50°N 60°N 70°N 80°N Casey Davis Mawson Macquarie Island Heard Island Fremantle Hobart

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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