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Yesterday was spent putting the final touches in place for Mawson operational planning. With Happy Diamond now at Mawson, it really feels like we are gearing up to begin our refuel and resupply operations. Before that, however, we have our KOMBIs to worry about. These moorings sit on the ocean floor for 1-2 years. They weigh over 700kg (including the 200kg anchor plate) and contain a range of fancy equipment, such as video cameras, echosounders, hydrophones, and CTDs (Conductivity, Temperature, Depth recording instruments). We are tasked with deploying one KOMBI and retrieving two.
Yesterday evening at around 2000, we arrived at the KOMBI deployment location. Maddie and Anthony headed to the back deck to activate the KOMBI while the bridge officers put the ship on Dynamic Positioning. At around 2100 we were ready for deployment. With a deck-full of spectators watching from above, the AIVIQ crew carefully and safely lifted the KOMBI off the deck. It was craned over the side of the ship and placed in the water. The idea was then to slowly crane it towards the ship, keeping it in the water to ensure it did not swing into the side of the ship. Once close enough, a crew member would reach out with a pole and pull the release mechanism, causing the KOMBI to sink to the ocean floor. Unfortunately, however, we did not get to that final stage. Before the KOMBI could come within pole reach, the anchor plate released. Luckily this was noticed before anyone was able to pull the release mechanism and we recovered the KOMBI safely. It is now back on board and we will take it back to Kingston. They will investigate the issue and it will get deployed next season. Despite not being successful, this was overall a positive outcome. No one was put at risk and the KOMBI itself (and all the fancy components) are safe and sound. It was a great learning experience and will inform future design and deployment.
As I write, we are recovering our first KOMBI. We are sitting of Iceberg Alley and it is another beautiful day at sea. The sun is shining and we have an almost flat sea. Maddie and Anthony have 'woken up' the KOMBI using a transducer. They sent the release code moments ago and we have all eyes on deck ready to spot the KOMBI as it breaches the surface. Hopefully the recovery goes smoothly.
In non-KOMBI news, expeditioners trialled the AIVIQ Grand Prix obstacle course last night. Ben, Ryan, and Alex have done an absolutely fantastic job putting it together. They showed us it was in fact possible to complete, but most of us we will need a lot more practice to even get up the first ramp (let alone the tunnel, jump, and log roll).
Once KOMBIs are retrieved, we will steam to Mawson. We should be there this evening sometime. It will be a happy moment when we see the Happy Diamond and station lights.
UPDATE: KOMBI has been spotted 200m from the ship! We are on our way to recover.
REGARDS: Sam and Anthony
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.