The French naval ship L’Astrolabe sailed into Buckles Bay early on Saturday morning, carrying essential supplies and heartfelt Christmas gifts in the form of five mail bags. The micro resupply and crew changeover were efficiently executed using 3 IRBs (inflatable rubber boats), with a team on land operating machines to facilitate the boats' movement in and out of the water. Additionally, Tas Parks conducted thorough biosecurity checks on all cargo from the ship to prevent any potential stowaways. This event also marked a transition for the station's crew. As the summer crew disembarked, the winter crew prepared to set sail on an all-expenses-paid cruise to the continent, accompanying the French crew to Dumont d’Urville before returning home to Australia just in time for Christmas. The incoming crew was eager to acquaint themselves with the island's diverse wildlife and unique climate, while the remaining winterers anticipated business as usual and the arrival of new faces to get to know.
Wayne Cloran
