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Yesterday, we pulled clear of the Prydz Bay pack ice and returned to the open waters to the north, setting course for Casey. Around lunch time, just enough vessel motion returned to remind us that the sea isn't always flat in these latitudes.
This morning we woke to snow grey skies which slightly reduced our overnight speed for a while. After a practice emergency muster at 1030, we briefly found ourselves in 9/10 pack ice in falling snow. Although we have set a course to sail through open water across to Casey, the pack ice will lazily extend its fingers northwards from time to time to try to catch us. But, rather than being caught, Nuyina pushed gently through the floes, giving those on board a chance to spot some wildlife, including a leopard seal who was nonchalantly lounging on an ice floe and seemed oddly unfazed by our sudden appearance through the gloom.
Our acoustics team of Floyd, Alison and Jill continue to operate the suite of acoustics systems, recording among other things, a 10 km wide swathe of seabed that is more than 3000 metres below our keel.
Briefings for Casey refuelling have formally commenced on board as we gather ourselves for the coming operation.
Just to be clear: we are currently 190 nautical miles North of the West Ice shelf and travelling East.
Lloyd & Justin
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.