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After yesterday's day of rest, due to high winds, today's forecast indicated that the stars were to align in the afternoon and allow us to recommence operations. An ambitious plan had been made the night before to bring the two helicopters back to the ship, discharge the excavator ... we mean the front end loader and welcome 11 Davis winterers aboard.
By mid-morning the ship was buzzing with energy as briefings were held for both the discharge of the loader and the landing of the helicopters on the aft of the main deck. The Helicopter Resources Team along with our Comms Operator returned to the ship via small boat for the required briefing and to sign off on the required risk assessment, tool box meetings and permits which would allow them to land on the deck. While all this was occurring the watercraft operators were busy preparing the IRBs and barges for the loader discharge. At midday both barges were tied up alongside the vessel. With the main deck clear and the pilots back ashore we were ready to receive the helicopters. At 13:15 we had the first helicopter on the ship after its short trip from shore to ship. The Helicopter Resource Team then removed the blades and with the help of the Everest Deck crew moved the helicopter into its transport container. At around 14:30 the second helicopter arrived on the deck and like its counterpart had its blades removed and was put to bed.
We then turned our focus to the front end loader, however this afternoon was not meant to be. After the barge was placed alongside, ready to receive the loader the wind increased, we were now outside the parameters for this operations to occur. The barge is currently at station ready to bring back the first of the outgoing Davis expeditioners. When they arrive the numbers on board will increase to 45 expeditioners, up from the 24 we have had over the past few days.
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.