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Day 12 of resupply operations here at Macquarie Island and the finish line is in sight. True to its reputation for capriciousness, the low lying cloud and mist seemingly tethered to the island has kept us from concurrent helicopter and LARC operations over the last few days, leaving us reliant on a slow and steady conveyance of cargo ashore by our 2 remaining LARCs. With only 70 bundles of inbound cargo and 30 bundles of RTA cargo remaining, we have sought to lighten our footprint on station; returning all personnel non-essential to ongoing resupply operations back to the vessel to enable us to depart Macca when circumstances warrant it.
By yesterday, all personnel and equipment non-essential to this phase of the operation were brought back to the ship rendering a lighter footprint (and the option of a quick exit). With the long range forecast offering little if any opportunity to conduct resupply activities in the coming days, our hopes rested on today's weather allowing us to conclude all cargo operations and bring LARCs and remaining personnel back to the ship. This morning, greeted us with wind averages above 30kts gusting in the low 40's and low lying cloud and fog. The indomitable LARCies committed themselves once more into the sea whilst pilots and forecasters kept one eye on the sky and another on the modelling for a slender window reduced cloud and fog. Seneca, a veteran of many a Macca resupply once said 'luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity'. Around mid-morning the skies parted and the fog lifted. Our forecasters were once again spot on in their assessment, and as such, ship and station were ready. With conditions deemed safely stable for flying the helicopters took off, making short work of the remainder of RTA cargo whilst the LARCs continued to discharge the remaining bundles of Macquarie Island Modernisation Project (MIMP) cargo until the forward deck was clear. A handful of quick voyage support based local area flights later and the helis were set down on the aft deck for likely the last time as the LARCS brought the last remaining expeditioners and themselves alongside the vessel.
As of 1700hs this evening, we have our full V5 expeditioner contingent aboard the vessel and 3 LARCS settled and lashed on deck. Cargo operations have ceased as have all associated ship>station resupply operations after 12 consecutive days of activity. We are grateful to the crew of the RSV Nuyina, the team at Macquarie Island, and all those aboard the vessel who have performed so well in their duties. A remarkable effort from everyone.
Regards,
James and Brendan.
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.