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We pulled into the Bay at 0700 this morning to commence cargo operations. The LARCs were on the beach and we were underway within minutes. Today's plan was to discharge cargo, and that has been the only order of the day. Priority cargo and refuelling equipment has been sent ashore and we are now moving crates, bundles and pallets ashore by LARC. We've sent in fresh and frozen food and brought science samples back to the vessel. Concrete slabs and long loads of building materials slowed us down for a while which gave the LARCs a little break but we're now in to the stack of cage pallets.
The LARCs have been moving quickly all day with the ship working hard to supply the cargo to them. A number of the Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Program (MIPEP) team have added new skills to their repertoire as they have spent the day assisting us with cargo operations onboard. The cargo that we have is many different shapes and sizes, and there is lashing (chains and straps used to hold the cargo in place while we are at sea) to remove before we can begin to move items about.
The LARCs are set to be back on the beach at 6pm tonight as darkness is now closing in on us faster each day. Where our morning started off with lovely calm seas and no wind, the swell is now picking up and rain has started to fall so we shall see what tomorrow brings for us.
Cheers, Nicki & Sharon
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.