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OPERATIONAL SUMMARY:
* Vessel approached Mawson station within Kista strait around 1430 awaiting wind conditions to abate, but by 1530 average wind speeds and gusts at the vessel remained unsuitable for operations;
* Vessel will return to around 15nm from Mawson this evening, returning for cargo operations tomorrow.
The Aurora has again sailed amidst the broken pack ice fields today, awaiting blizzard conditions to abate. Both station and vessel-based teams monitored wind conditions throughout the morning, with average wind speeds on station regularly exceeding 40 - 45 knots.
Wind conditions offshore didn't reflect the same strength of those experienced at station, but still remained above 30 knots for much of the morning. Mid-morning the vessel conducted an emergency muster drill, which saw all of the crew and expeditioners assemble at their muster stations in warm clothing. Expeditioners are usually assembled and head count conducted on the vessel's helideck, the largest open and flat area available, and easily accessed from the main accommodation deck (D-deck). Even though the vessel was making relatively slow progress through the ice, the wind passing across the heli-deck still had a cold bite, and most expeditioners appeared on deck wearing their thermal inner layers (comprising merino wool thermal under-layer and microfleece mid-layer), covered in their bright yellow Antarctic outer shell jackets and pants (made from a strong blend of synthetic fibres produced specially for the Antarctic Division). These layers are accompanied by inner gloves, thick outer-mitts, neck-gaiters, woollen beanie, thick merino wool socks and insulated boots.
The drills conducted on the vessel's colder upper decks serve to provide expeditioners with some idea of the conditions they could expect in the event of any real emergency, and also offer an opportunity to experience the procedures to be followed when leaving cabins / living spaces by the quickest path, before getting dressed in thermal protective clothing out on the upper decks. The vessel also has special 'immersion suits' which, once fitted properly, add a further layer of water-proof protection in the event entry to the water is required in any emergency. The Aurora has two main life boats, multiple life rafts (which can be deployed manually – or automatically if immersed in salt water), a large work boat and fast rescue craft, so is well prepared to respond to any emergency situations.
Groups of penguins stood about on nearby ice floes watching the colourful activities on the deck of the large orange iceberg, but didn't appear too concerned.
Around 1400, the vessel and station agreed that wind conditions appeared to be trending down, so the vessel made its approach into Kista strait and sat off West Arm, while the voyage management and bridge teams monitored wind conditions. Unfortunately, while the winds did abate considerably from the morning's strong conditions, they were less than optimal for the deployment of the watercraft – and the voyage leader determined that cargo operations would not proceed due to the average wind strengths and the limited window remaining for operations to be conducted. The vessel returned to more open waters shortly thereafter, intending to return tomorrow when clearer conditions are forecast.
The Aurora is now sailing along the coastline in a racetrack pattern, referred to as 'Lapland' by the bridge team, due to the fact that the vessel will be performing long, steady 'laps' of the same track through the evening. A beautiful signs of the local weather conditions improving overnight was presented in the form of another long sunset, with the softer light spreading from the West along the ice plateau and setting golden linings around the peaks and saddles of the usually dark nunataks. Mawson station was also periodically visible between gaps in the islands of Kista strait and beyond, its multi-coloured buildings and spinning wind turbine lit by the sun, appearing like a model village in the distance.
Cheers
Mark & Fred
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.