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Greetings from Newcomb Bay. We arrived off Casey station approximately 2 hours ago after a 24 hour period spent carefully threading our way through sea ice. The excitement was palpable as the ship glided through calming waters, the sea and sky varying shades of dark and bright light blue. By mid-afternoon the long sliver of white horizon had crept forward, its islands of ice floes slowly embracing the vessel, the MPV Everest's first kiss of Antarctic ice. Early this morning as our passage continued the VHF console on the ship crackled into life with a welcome greeting from VNJ Casey (the station's comms desk). After an extended period of silence we were re-connected with station. For the crew, many of whom are experienced in Arctic and Antarctic ice, it presented few challenges but a valuable proving run for the ship in navigable sea ice.
This afternoon we are planning a limited start to cargo operations. Beginning with a toolbox briefing on station between our watercraft team and the Casey wharf crew, our teams will then refuel one of the barges and, time permitting, undertake a limited series of barge runs.
Regards,
James, Jenn 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.