V2 sitrep – Tuesday, 13 April 2021

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This morning we woke to a double rainbow over the stern of the ship with La Spica following us along as we continued the final dash to Fremantle. What started as a grey and overcast morning completed by intermittent showers has turned into blue skies and warm sun. The seas have subsided and we are now gently rolling as we wait off Fremantle for the pilot who will guide the ship into the Fremantle harbour.

This morning has been one filled of excitement and anticipation with the first sighting of land late this morning. Expeditioners stepped out on deck to take in the view whilst getting the first of some long awaited sunshine. This afternoon personnel are in the midst of packing the last of their belongings, preparing for disembarking sometime later today. The crew of the MPV Everest are out on the decks preparing the ship for docking at Fremantle.

It's been a journey which all on board will never forget, complete with bumps in the road, challenges and the friendships that have been forged. From the Captain and officers, galley and stewards, to the ship's engineers, electricians and deck crew, the crew of the MPV Everest have worked tirelessly throughout the voyage, supporting the needs and objectives of the AAD and everyone on board.

A final thanks are in order to not just the ship's crew but the expeditioners on board who have endured so much. Some signed up 18 months ago for a summer in Antarctica and now, after a winter and second long summer are about to return.

Thanks to everyone who assisted packing containers and helicopters, reconfiguring cargo for a fly off operation, working together to write risk assessments and interpret Standard Operating Procedures to enable us to refuel in the dark with limited resources, and to the SAR and fire teams who stood up each time a helicopter approached or departed from the ship. Thanks also for all of the expeditioners who didn't have a task but waited patiently for days without complaint.

Thanks to all of the crew and expeditioners for their exemplary behaviour during the fire and the difficult days that followed.

And finally thanks to my Voyage Management team! Lauren the Voyage Management Assistant who has written all of the SITREP's (which I sign!) and does all the running around 'cat herding' and is our spread sheet and data guru, to Sharon our Voyage Resupply Coordinator who negotiates and draws up all of the rosters and runs the cargo teams ashore and for the fly off, from the main deck of the ship, outside in -20C. And finally to Jenn our Deputy Voyage Leader, who keeps the rest of us 'honest', manages the discharge and stowage of the cargo, and fills in all the gaps I inadvertently leave!

Cheers

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.