Information
Comments
Today's operations commenced with the transfer of 10 expeditioners from the ship to the small boats for the second of the watercraft training sessions. It was then time to fire up the 50 tonne crane, attach the Billy Pugh and transfer personnel to the barge. The first barge load of expeditioners to experience the Billy Pugh ride were those Mawson personnel who have gone ashore to assist with the resupply operations. The senior crane operator on board manoeuvred the Billy Pugh quickly and efficiently, transferring all 14 from the main deck to the barge in the blink of an eye. Once the barge returned to the ship it was time for us to farewell the Davis Wintering Team. Again the crane operator transferred another 14 personnel to the barge, keeping everyone's feet dry. As the barge pulled way we waved them goodbye as they headed towards their new home.
Meanwhile cargo operations were underway using the second barge. The first cargo ashore this morning were the 11 bulka bags containing the incoming expeditioner luggage. After this load it was time to switch back to the 250 tonne crane to continue with the discharge of containerised cargo. It was a somewhat slower morning owing to the requirement to remove a few drums from the half height containers containing aviation fuel. This lowered the container weight, allowing the station wharf crane to safely lift the container with the remaining drums, from the barge and onto one of the waiting vehicles to be transported to station. This afternoon we continue with the discharge of priority containers from the ship to station.
Whilst station tonight will be a hum of voices and sounds, as the numbers on station increased substantially, the ship will feel like a ghost town. We sailed south with 74 expeditioners, and tonight there will be only 25 of us along with the ship's crew left on board.
REGARDS: Andy, Jenn and Lauren
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.