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Fantastic day at Macquarie Island today.
If you were a surfer that is. Not so great for moving things to, and from a ship, to a research station... by watercraft.
The two meter plus SE swell rolled into Buckles Bay creating perfect 10 barrels off the point breaks. While spectacular to watch, it meant we couldn't safely cross the beach with our LARCS.
After a false start and over 9 hours of waiting for conditions to ease, the AIVIQ eventually came off dynamic positioning (DP) just after 1615 hrs, and we bid farewell to Buckles Bay for another night, resolute to be back in place at 0530 hrs to try it all over again.
Matt and his team of ships riggers managed to get some deck work done, pre-positioning cargo in the event the weather improved and as a contingency for tomorrow.
Our intention is to refuel the station tomorrow. However, as per the last few days, we have not been gifted idyllic weather for this operation so there will be a small party heading ashore at daybreak to install two temporary sensors to assist the ships DP keep us firmly in place while the refuelling operations are underway.
For obvious reasons the ship-shore refuelling process has several tiers of safeguards, checks and cross checks to ensure the entire process is conducted as safely as possible.
As the AIVIQ prowls its familiar route up and down the east cost of the island those aboard are hoping for a break in weather so we can wrap up operations and get some people home.
REGARDS: Simon and Matt
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.