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We arrived at the edge of the fast ice approximately 6Nm off Davis this morning at 0645 local time. We are at present breaking our way into the fast ice towards our anchorage position about 2 miles from shore. It is anticipated that we will anchor by 0800 tomorrow. The fast ice is notoriously difficult to break through.
This morning we stopped the ship in the fast ice and flew off, by helicopter, 21 expeditioners who will travel on to Mawson Station from Davis.. The expeditioners were flown to the Davis SLA (Ski Landing Area) where a Basler fixed wing aircraft was ready to fly them onto Mawson. The transfer operation was performed very effectively and efficiently. We bade farewell to the Mawson expeditioners and also the helicopter crew. The helicopters have now left the Aurora Australis for their seasons work at Davis and will now be tasked from there.
Tomorrow we plan to disembark all Davis Expeditioners who will undergo station inductions at Davis prior to commencing resupply operations in the afternoon. There is however one more evening on ship which will be a trivia night. All on board are in very high spirits and in good health.
Cheers Tony and Mike
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.