Hutton goes to the Antarctic - Voyage 2 (3307), along with the Fuel Rats and Canonn Interstellar
- Thread starter Vingtetun
- Start date
The Everest has set sail from Davis, heading for Mawson for the last leg of their resupply/refuelling mission
Fuel Rat operations finished up nicely.
Monday
Yesterday was a busy day. Whilst we delivered fuel to station we also provided the crew of the Everest the opportunity of a trip to shore to have a look around Davis Station. Under the Davis Tour Guide Team the crew visited the elephant seals on the Beach, the Vestfold Brewery, the various work areas on station and the living quarters where they got to enjoy a cuppa and a bite to eat. One crew member was ecstatic with the coffee that one of the expeditioners made from the station's coffee machine. Thank you to the Davis team for hosting the crew who were most appreciative of the chance to stretch their legs ashore and see the station.
Last night we continued pumping fuel until 21:00 when, due to decreasing light, it was time to get ready to launch the pig. At around 21:30 the pig entered the line and made its way to station being followed closely by the small boats on the water. The pig was caught intact in the pig catcher ashore, pushing out any residual fuel in the hose line. It was then time to disconnect the hose from the ship and reel it back into shore for the night. Under the watchful eye of the VMA on the bridge using night vision goggles the small boats with their navigation lights on retrieved the line. By 00:15 the last small boat was off the water, and at the conclusion of the day we had pumped 451 000 L ashore.
This morning, in the early hours, the small boats hit the water again deploying the fuel line back to the ship. By 08:50 we had once again commenced pumping fuel to shore. The colder conditions overnight saw grease ice forming and becoming pancake ice which collected along the fuel hose close to the ship. Yellow boat went into ice wrangling action lifting the line up with the special ice hooks releasing the ice off the line. During the morning the minimum volume of Special Antarctic Blend Deiseal, SAB, had been revised to 750 000 L. It is now nearly 16:45 local time and we have delivered a total of 759,100 litres plus the 7000 in the fuel hose to station, it is now time to pig the line!
The plan for the remainder of the day is to pig and retrieve the line, pack up the refuelling equipment and transfer the remaining passengers from Davis to the ship. The crew of the Everest are currently securing the ship as we will either depart the bay this evening if we have enough light to transit through the narrow passage between islands and icebergs or early tomorrow morning, making our way through the ice and turning left, heading to our next destination - Mawson.
Tuesday
Early in the evening yesterday, after successfully refuelling the station, we welcomed the remaining 11 outgoing Davis winters and those who had gone ashore to assist with resupply to the MPV Everest. The final barge load containing the refuelling equipment returned to the ship and was loaded on board. The watercraft operators then ascended the Jacobs ladder, followed by the barge, lifted from the water on the hook of the 250 tonne crane, onto the deck for securing, thus signalling the completion of the Davis Resupply. The deck crew then went about doing their final checks and securing the deck for our departure.
At 21:00 the Master of the MPV Everest and the Voyage leader contacted the Davis Station Leader thanking her and her team for their efforts over the past 14 days, this also indicated it was time for us to say goodbye. At 21:10 we departed the bay where we had arrived on the 23rd of February, and navigated our way out through the icebergs towards somewhat more open waters, for the next instalment of Voyage 2, Mawson. We wish the team at Davis all the best for the coming winter and would like to thank everyone, both Australian Antarctic Program Personnel and MPV Everest crew, for their efforts in what has been a successful resupply of Davis Research Station.
This morning has been fairly quiet with many enjoying a well earnt rest after their efforts during our time at Davis. Personnel new to the ship are finding their way around and settling in to their new home. Up on the bridge and out on the snow covered decks expeditioners watched the bergy bits pass by us as we continued our passage. Cape Petrels, Southern Fulmars and Skuas have graced us with their presence as they follow the ship. This evening we will recommence with our plans for our arrival at Mawson. However, before this, at 5pm, we will turn our watches back 2 hours so we come into alignment with the time at Mawson.
Fuel Rat operations finished up nicely.
Monday
Yesterday was a busy day. Whilst we delivered fuel to station we also provided the crew of the Everest the opportunity of a trip to shore to have a look around Davis Station. Under the Davis Tour Guide Team the crew visited the elephant seals on the Beach, the Vestfold Brewery, the various work areas on station and the living quarters where they got to enjoy a cuppa and a bite to eat. One crew member was ecstatic with the coffee that one of the expeditioners made from the station's coffee machine. Thank you to the Davis team for hosting the crew who were most appreciative of the chance to stretch their legs ashore and see the station.
Last night we continued pumping fuel until 21:00 when, due to decreasing light, it was time to get ready to launch the pig. At around 21:30 the pig entered the line and made its way to station being followed closely by the small boats on the water. The pig was caught intact in the pig catcher ashore, pushing out any residual fuel in the hose line. It was then time to disconnect the hose from the ship and reel it back into shore for the night. Under the watchful eye of the VMA on the bridge using night vision goggles the small boats with their navigation lights on retrieved the line. By 00:15 the last small boat was off the water, and at the conclusion of the day we had pumped 451 000 L ashore.
This morning, in the early hours, the small boats hit the water again deploying the fuel line back to the ship. By 08:50 we had once again commenced pumping fuel to shore. The colder conditions overnight saw grease ice forming and becoming pancake ice which collected along the fuel hose close to the ship. Yellow boat went into ice wrangling action lifting the line up with the special ice hooks releasing the ice off the line. During the morning the minimum volume of Special Antarctic Blend Deiseal, SAB, had been revised to 750 000 L. It is now nearly 16:45 local time and we have delivered a total of 759,100 litres plus the 7000 in the fuel hose to station, it is now time to pig the line!
The plan for the remainder of the day is to pig and retrieve the line, pack up the refuelling equipment and transfer the remaining passengers from Davis to the ship. The crew of the Everest are currently securing the ship as we will either depart the bay this evening if we have enough light to transit through the narrow passage between islands and icebergs or early tomorrow morning, making our way through the ice and turning left, heading to our next destination - Mawson.
Tuesday
Early in the evening yesterday, after successfully refuelling the station, we welcomed the remaining 11 outgoing Davis winters and those who had gone ashore to assist with resupply to the MPV Everest. The final barge load containing the refuelling equipment returned to the ship and was loaded on board. The watercraft operators then ascended the Jacobs ladder, followed by the barge, lifted from the water on the hook of the 250 tonne crane, onto the deck for securing, thus signalling the completion of the Davis Resupply. The deck crew then went about doing their final checks and securing the deck for our departure.
At 21:00 the Master of the MPV Everest and the Voyage leader contacted the Davis Station Leader thanking her and her team for their efforts over the past 14 days, this also indicated it was time for us to say goodbye. At 21:10 we departed the bay where we had arrived on the 23rd of February, and navigated our way out through the icebergs towards somewhat more open waters, for the next instalment of Voyage 2, Mawson. We wish the team at Davis all the best for the coming winter and would like to thank everyone, both Australian Antarctic Program Personnel and MPV Everest crew, for their efforts in what has been a successful resupply of Davis Research Station.
This morning has been fairly quiet with many enjoying a well earnt rest after their efforts during our time at Davis. Personnel new to the ship are finding their way around and settling in to their new home. Up on the bridge and out on the snow covered decks expeditioners watched the bergy bits pass by us as we continued our passage. Cape Petrels, Southern Fulmars and Skuas have graced us with their presence as they follow the ship. This evening we will recommence with our plans for our arrival at Mawson. However, before this, at 5pm, we will turn our watches back 2 hours so we come into alignment with the time at Mawson.
Fire on Australia's Antarctic resupply vessel leaves expeditioners shaken
Australian Antarctic Division says 109 people on board were uninjured, but the incident was ‘potentially traumatic’ for some
www.theguardian.com
Jeez, all the best wishes to the brave explorers out there...Fire on Australia's Antarctic resupply vessel leaves expeditioners shaken
Australian Antarctic Division says 109 people on board were uninjured, but the incident was ‘potentially traumatic’ for some
Remind me again, are hull seals on board?
So two weeks ago they witnessed the Colour out of space
Then a fire broke out.
We have exclusive footage of what happened in the engine room.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&t=63&v=5g2LaMuS0mk&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR236RP1FtxcohLnc7yZReVAx4_9vXs74GPgHLTdJZBQMPhabvG_tCG4CKU
Joking aside, I'm very relieved that the fire was dealt with efficiently and nobody was hurt.
Then a fire broke out.
We have exclusive footage of what happened in the engine room.
Joking aside, I'm very relieved that the fire was dealt with efficiently and nobody was hurt.
Update: damaged Antarctic resupply vessel will dock in Western Australia – Australian Antarctic Program (News 2021)
Antarctic resupply ship heads for WA
www.antarctica.gov.au
Australia’s chartered Antarctic resupply vessel MPV Everest will dock in Fremantle Western Australia, rather than Hobart, after a fire in its engine room on Monday.
Position of MPV Everest at 6 April 2021 Photo: AAD
The fire started just after 2pm, engulfing the port engine room and destroying two inflatable rubber boats stored on the deck.
None of the 109 expeditioners and crew were injured in the incident.
Australian Antarctic Division General Manager of Operations and Safety, Charlton Clark, said the Captain of MPV Everest has decided to head for the closest port.
“MPV Everest is about 1400 nautical miles south of Fremantle, which is about 5–7 days transit in good weather,” Mr Clark said.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Response Centre is monitoring the transit of the MPV Everest and in regular communication with the vessel.
“The vessel is currently running on the starboard engine room at about 8 knots and is making headway to avoid some challenging Southern Ocean weather.”
“The Australian Antarctic Division is really focused on getting our expeditioners home safe and well, as soon as possible,” he said.
“We are maintaining contact with the families of those on MPV Everest to keep them informed of the situation.”
The ice-strengthened ship has just completed a two month voyage to Antarctica, resupplying and changing over personnel at Australia’s Davis and Mawson research stations.
The cause of the port engine room fire will be investigated by the ship’s owner, Maritime Construction Services (MCS), and relevant shipping and safety regulators.
Position of MPV Everest at 6 April 2021 Photo: AADThe fire started just after 2pm, engulfing the port engine room and destroying two inflatable rubber boats stored on the deck.
None of the 109 expeditioners and crew were injured in the incident.
Australian Antarctic Division General Manager of Operations and Safety, Charlton Clark, said the Captain of MPV Everest has decided to head for the closest port.
“MPV Everest is about 1400 nautical miles south of Fremantle, which is about 5–7 days transit in good weather,” Mr Clark said.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Response Centre is monitoring the transit of the MPV Everest and in regular communication with the vessel.
“The vessel is currently running on the starboard engine room at about 8 knots and is making headway to avoid some challenging Southern Ocean weather.”
“The Australian Antarctic Division is really focused on getting our expeditioners home safe and well, as soon as possible,” he said.
“We are maintaining contact with the families of those on MPV Everest to keep them informed of the situation.”
The ice-strengthened ship has just completed a two month voyage to Antarctica, resupplying and changing over personnel at Australia’s Davis and Mawson research stations.
The cause of the port engine room fire will be investigated by the ship’s owner, Maritime Construction Services (MCS), and relevant shipping and safety regulators.
Fire on Australia's Antarctic resupply vessel leaves expeditioners shaken
Australian Antarctic Division says 109 people on board were uninjured, but the incident was ‘potentially traumatic’ for some
Heartfelt wishes to the entire crew and passengers. Having spent many years at deep-sea in similar 'exotic' and remote locations these events will take time and care to get through. Really good news that no-one was physically injured or worse.
Thanks to the dedicated Commanders keeping this thread updated!
This was the official sitrep from on board:
Last night the ship started to roll making it hard to sleep.
The MPV Everest is designed to hold position in one place, whilst divers work up to 300m below, not moving an inch. It does this very well and is one of the top 5 hyperbaric ships around.
At around 1100 this morning the fire alarms and muster signal were sounded, as a fire had broken out in the port engine room. Both crew and expeditioners worked together to put out the fire, which they achieved famously. All personnel onboard are safe and no injuries were sustained.
Fortunately, and in part because the ship was designed and built to Polar Code standards and for deep sea hyperbaric diving work, it has many more redundancies than your usual ice class ship, including two completely separate engine rooms. These redundancies mean that not only was the fire able to be fully compartmentalised in one location, greatly assisting in containing and extinguishing the blaze, but also means that the ship is able to maintain all mechanical and electrical services needed for its operation.
We are now making good speed for Australia, running on the engines in the starboard engine room.
Cheers
Andy, Jenn and Lauren
Last night the ship started to roll making it hard to sleep.
The MPV Everest is designed to hold position in one place, whilst divers work up to 300m below, not moving an inch. It does this very well and is one of the top 5 hyperbaric ships around.
At around 1100 this morning the fire alarms and muster signal were sounded, as a fire had broken out in the port engine room. Both crew and expeditioners worked together to put out the fire, which they achieved famously. All personnel onboard are safe and no injuries were sustained.
Fortunately, and in part because the ship was designed and built to Polar Code standards and for deep sea hyperbaric diving work, it has many more redundancies than your usual ice class ship, including two completely separate engine rooms. These redundancies mean that not only was the fire able to be fully compartmentalised in one location, greatly assisting in containing and extinguishing the blaze, but also means that the ship is able to maintain all mechanical and electrical services needed for its operation.
We are now making good speed for Australia, running on the engines in the starboard engine room.
Cheers
Andy, Jenn and Lauren
8 APRIL 2021
Preparations are being made to send a support vessel to the Southern Ocean to accompany Australia’s chartered Antarctic resupply vessel MPV Everest back to Fremantle.
Photo: Wayde Maurer
MPV Everest experienced a fire in its port engine room on Monday, and the ship has continued travelling north using its starboard engine room.
The vessel is now 1200 nautical miles south of Fremantle, travelling at about 10 knots.
Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) General Manager of Operations, Charlton Clark, said the vessel is not in distress and is making way under its own power.
“As a precautionary measure the AAD and the ship’s owner, Maritime Construction Services (MCS), have identified two potential support vessels to meet MPV Everest,” Mr Clark said.
“Both vessels are in Western Australia and are being assessed for their technical capabilities.”
“A decision about which one is most suitable for the Southern Ocean voyage will be made as soon as possible.”
“For expeditioners on board, having a secondary vessel nearby will hopefully provide some reassurance.”
Late yesterday a maintenance issue with the starboard ship’s generator, which provides propulsion to the vessel, was rectified.
The generator was shut down for an hour, so the repairs could be made. The ship then continued under its own power.
“Our focus is the safety and well-being of our expeditioners and we are focused on getting them home as quickly as possible,” he said.
There are 109 expeditioners and crew on board the vessel. No-one was injured in the fire that engulfed the port engine room and two Inflatable rubber boats on the deck.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Response Centre is continuing to monitor the transit of MPV Everest and is in regular communication with the vessel.
Preparations are being made to send a support vessel to the Southern Ocean to accompany Australia’s chartered Antarctic resupply vessel MPV Everest back to Fremantle.
Photo: Wayde MaurerMPV Everest experienced a fire in its port engine room on Monday, and the ship has continued travelling north using its starboard engine room.
The vessel is now 1200 nautical miles south of Fremantle, travelling at about 10 knots.
Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) General Manager of Operations, Charlton Clark, said the vessel is not in distress and is making way under its own power.
“As a precautionary measure the AAD and the ship’s owner, Maritime Construction Services (MCS), have identified two potential support vessels to meet MPV Everest,” Mr Clark said.
“Both vessels are in Western Australia and are being assessed for their technical capabilities.”
“A decision about which one is most suitable for the Southern Ocean voyage will be made as soon as possible.”
“For expeditioners on board, having a secondary vessel nearby will hopefully provide some reassurance.”
Late yesterday a maintenance issue with the starboard ship’s generator, which provides propulsion to the vessel, was rectified.
The generator was shut down for an hour, so the repairs could be made. The ship then continued under its own power.
“Our focus is the safety and well-being of our expeditioners and we are focused on getting them home as quickly as possible,” he said.
There are 109 expeditioners and crew on board the vessel. No-one was injured in the fire that engulfed the port engine room and two Inflatable rubber boats on the deck.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Response Centre is continuing to monitor the transit of MPV Everest and is in regular communication with the vessel.
This foto again shows MPV Everest desperately needs a shipkit.8 APRIL 2021
Preparations are being made to send a support vessel to the Southern Ocean to accompany Australia’s chartered Antarctic resupply vessel MPV Everest back to Fremantle.
MPV Everest experienced a fire in its port engine room on Monday, and the ship has continued travelling north using its starboard engine room.
The vessel is now 1200 nautical miles south of Fremantle, travelling at about 10 knots.
Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) General Manager of Operations, Charlton Clark, said the vessel is not in distress and is making way under its own power.
“As a precautionary measure the AAD and the ship’s owner, Maritime Construction Services (MCS), have identified two potential support vessels to meet MPV Everest,” Mr Clark said.
“Both vessels are in Western Australia and are being assessed for their technical capabilities.”
“A decision about which one is most suitable for the Southern Ocean voyage will be made as soon as possible.”
“For expeditioners on board, having a secondary vessel nearby will hopefully provide some reassurance.”
Late yesterday a maintenance issue with the starboard ship’s generator, which provides propulsion to the vessel, was rectified.
The generator was shut down for an hour, so the repairs could be made. The ship then continued under its own power.
“Our focus is the safety and well-being of our expeditioners and we are focused on getting them home as quickly as possible,” he said.
There are 109 expeditioners and crew on board the vessel. No-one was injured in the fire that engulfed the port engine room and two Inflatable rubber boats on the deck.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Response Centre is continuing to monitor the transit of MPV Everest and is in regular communication with the vessel.
Boy does this ship look strange.
UPDATE: SUPPORT SHIP HEADS SOUTH TO ACCOMPANY MPV EVEREST
Home News and media 2021 Update: support ship heads south to accompany MPV Everest9 APRIL 2021
A large offshore tug has been deployed from Western Australia to accompany Australia’s chartered Antarctic resupply vessel MPV Everest in its journey to Fremantle.
GO Spica (pronounced ‘speaker’) is a 76-metre offshore supply vessel currently heading south from Dampier to refuel at Fremantle before heading to the Southern Ocean.
Offshore tug and supply vessel, GO Spica Photo: GO OffshoreAustralian Antarctic Division General Manager of Operations & Safety, Charlton Clark, said the decision to send a support vessel to meet MPV Everest is a precautionary measure taken by the ship’s owner, Maritime Construction Services (MCS).
“MPV Everest is not in distress and continues to travel northwards under its own power,” he said.
“While MPV Everest doesn’t need a tug and this is not a rescue mission, GO Spica has sufficient power to assist if required.”
“The AAD welcomes this action taken by MCS to support the safe return of all expeditioners and crew on board MPV Everest to Australia.”
MPV Everest experienced a fire in its port engine room on Monday, and the ship has continued travelling north using its starboard engine room.
This morning the vessel was 1020 nautical miles southwest of Fremantle, travelling at 10 knots.
There are 109 expeditioners and crew on board the vessel. There were no physical injuries in the fire that engulfed the port engine room and two inflatable rubber boats on the deck.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Response Centre is continuing to monitor the transit of MPV Everest and is in regular communication with the vessel.
Update from on board as they limp their way to Fremantle and await the arrival of their escort:
Wednesday
Late yesterday, we along with our families, received news that we would now be disembarking at Fremantle instead of Hobart. On our present heading Fremantle is closer than if were to continue on to Hobart. Voyage Management along with the Mawson and Davis Station Leaders have been in contact with Kingston mapping out the various areas which need to be considered for preparation of our arrival into Fremantle.
Today sleep ins, cups of tea and sweet treats were order of the day as we continued to experience similar sea and weather conditions to yesterday. People's rooms are now better prepared for those awkward rolls after a visit from the friendly watercraft duo armed with securing devices from tape, non-slip mat and tie downs. The ship certainly is a little quieter after their efforts apart from the odd one or two things that escaped their clutches and go for a roll around the floor.
There was a bit of rock and roll whilst the engineers shut down the remaining main engine, to replace a gasket. They used the opportunity whilst the main engine was offline to confirm that the second thruster could be used if the current one causes issues. This and the fact that we have a smaller generator that can give us the power to steer the ship if we lose the main one, now leaves us with some encouraging redundancy.
The evening presentations continue to be a full house. Last night's light hearted presentation was given by one of our round trip plant operators on his adventures. This proved to be just what was needed as many a laughter was heard from behind the cinema door. Tonight's presentation is from one of our Field Training Officers on their New Zealand mountain biking trip.
Finally we have a very special message from one of expeditioners on board who would like to wish her sister Courtney a very Happy Birthday all the way from the Southern Ocean.
Thursday
Last night one of the ship's dive technicians came across an unexpected visitor, a Kerguelen Petrel. Our resident seabird scientist was alerted of the visitor and prepared a safe spot for it to rest overnight. This morning the Deputy Voyage Leader assisted the scientist perform a health check and wing assessment. With ticks in all the right boxes their avian friend was released over the Southern Ocean to continue on its journey. The ship continues to be followed by various birds, with today's sightings including prions, light mantled sooty albatross and white headed petrels.
Today the hardworking stewards of the MPV Everest were given a helping hand. At the completion of breakfast expeditioners armed with mops, brooms, cleaning cloths and spray bottles set about giving the corridors, stairwells and mess a clean. The ship stewards have worked tirelessly over the duration of the season providing us with meals and keeping the ship in clean and orderly.
During the morning the seas began to build, and by early afternoon the ship was rolling a little more. The ship has recently adjusted its heading to a more north easterly direction. This has resulted in the ship rolling a little less and making things more comfortable. Our priority at this stage is a safe voyage rather than a fast voyage and so turning more easterly may mean it takes longer to arrive in Fremantle but with more chance of arriving in one piece.
On the decks below the Voyage Resupply Coordinator and Station Leaders have been busy talking with expeditioners about their return, collating their requirements and noting any requests. This information will be forwarded on to head office personnel in Kingston. Meanwhile the Voyage Leader and Deputy Voyage Leader continue preparations for our arrival into Fremantle, noting a lot of previous planning is now redundant. On a final note Mary's comments have been duly noted and are not redundant.
Friday
Last night we had prepared for an increase in the sea conditions. Despite the bigger seas (up to 10m seas and some bigger) we were pleasantly surprised and met with much calmer conditions, as the Captain picked a course, allowing us to ride out the storm whilst still make way to Fremantle. An increase in bird activity has been observed with at least 4 Wandering Albatross seen gliding across the waves. This morning we picked up a "hitch hiker" in the form of a kelp gull who has found a comfortable seat perched on top of the light on the 250 T crane.
This afternoon a doctor, a BOM observer and two watercraft operators gathered in the mess for a musical session. It wasn't too long before the harmonious melodies of guitars, mandolin and a violin drifted up the central stairwell. Expeditioners, galley and deck crew made their way into the mess to sit, listen and enjoy the music being played by this talented group of people.
Meanwhile planning continues for our arrival into Fremantle with Voyage Management in contact with personnel at Kingston and Shipping Representatives that are now in Fremantle. All on board are enjoying the calmer weather as we continue our way north to Fremantle.
Saturday
A rather restless night was experienced by most on board as we rolled around a little more than expected. Whilst the swell of the ocean had dropped we were now feeling a little more of the seas energy due to a change in the course, which is now steering us towards Fremantle.
The seas continue to subside and we are now once again gently rolling our way along in a northerly direction. Bird life still surrounds the ship as we continue on with the odd Wandering Albatross spotted this morning. Expeditioners and crew alike are turning their minds towards our arrival into Fremantle which has been confirmed for the morning of 13th of April 2021, time will be confirmed tomorrow . People are beginning to organise their belongings and getting their rooms in order.
The Voyage Management Team and Station Leaders continue to work with personnel at Kingston to firm up details and plans around our return, which include accommodation and the logistics around returning to our homes. We'd like to thank the Human Resources Team back at Kingston who are working to assist with the requests of the expeditioners on board.
Regards: Andy, Jenn and Lauren
Wednesday
Late yesterday, we along with our families, received news that we would now be disembarking at Fremantle instead of Hobart. On our present heading Fremantle is closer than if were to continue on to Hobart. Voyage Management along with the Mawson and Davis Station Leaders have been in contact with Kingston mapping out the various areas which need to be considered for preparation of our arrival into Fremantle.
Today sleep ins, cups of tea and sweet treats were order of the day as we continued to experience similar sea and weather conditions to yesterday. People's rooms are now better prepared for those awkward rolls after a visit from the friendly watercraft duo armed with securing devices from tape, non-slip mat and tie downs. The ship certainly is a little quieter after their efforts apart from the odd one or two things that escaped their clutches and go for a roll around the floor.
There was a bit of rock and roll whilst the engineers shut down the remaining main engine, to replace a gasket. They used the opportunity whilst the main engine was offline to confirm that the second thruster could be used if the current one causes issues. This and the fact that we have a smaller generator that can give us the power to steer the ship if we lose the main one, now leaves us with some encouraging redundancy.
The evening presentations continue to be a full house. Last night's light hearted presentation was given by one of our round trip plant operators on his adventures. This proved to be just what was needed as many a laughter was heard from behind the cinema door. Tonight's presentation is from one of our Field Training Officers on their New Zealand mountain biking trip.
Finally we have a very special message from one of expeditioners on board who would like to wish her sister Courtney a very Happy Birthday all the way from the Southern Ocean.
Thursday
Last night one of the ship's dive technicians came across an unexpected visitor, a Kerguelen Petrel. Our resident seabird scientist was alerted of the visitor and prepared a safe spot for it to rest overnight. This morning the Deputy Voyage Leader assisted the scientist perform a health check and wing assessment. With ticks in all the right boxes their avian friend was released over the Southern Ocean to continue on its journey. The ship continues to be followed by various birds, with today's sightings including prions, light mantled sooty albatross and white headed petrels.
Today the hardworking stewards of the MPV Everest were given a helping hand. At the completion of breakfast expeditioners armed with mops, brooms, cleaning cloths and spray bottles set about giving the corridors, stairwells and mess a clean. The ship stewards have worked tirelessly over the duration of the season providing us with meals and keeping the ship in clean and orderly.
During the morning the seas began to build, and by early afternoon the ship was rolling a little more. The ship has recently adjusted its heading to a more north easterly direction. This has resulted in the ship rolling a little less and making things more comfortable. Our priority at this stage is a safe voyage rather than a fast voyage and so turning more easterly may mean it takes longer to arrive in Fremantle but with more chance of arriving in one piece.
On the decks below the Voyage Resupply Coordinator and Station Leaders have been busy talking with expeditioners about their return, collating their requirements and noting any requests. This information will be forwarded on to head office personnel in Kingston. Meanwhile the Voyage Leader and Deputy Voyage Leader continue preparations for our arrival into Fremantle, noting a lot of previous planning is now redundant. On a final note Mary's comments have been duly noted and are not redundant.
Friday
Last night we had prepared for an increase in the sea conditions. Despite the bigger seas (up to 10m seas and some bigger) we were pleasantly surprised and met with much calmer conditions, as the Captain picked a course, allowing us to ride out the storm whilst still make way to Fremantle. An increase in bird activity has been observed with at least 4 Wandering Albatross seen gliding across the waves. This morning we picked up a "hitch hiker" in the form of a kelp gull who has found a comfortable seat perched on top of the light on the 250 T crane.
This afternoon a doctor, a BOM observer and two watercraft operators gathered in the mess for a musical session. It wasn't too long before the harmonious melodies of guitars, mandolin and a violin drifted up the central stairwell. Expeditioners, galley and deck crew made their way into the mess to sit, listen and enjoy the music being played by this talented group of people.
Meanwhile planning continues for our arrival into Fremantle with Voyage Management in contact with personnel at Kingston and Shipping Representatives that are now in Fremantle. All on board are enjoying the calmer weather as we continue our way north to Fremantle.
Saturday
A rather restless night was experienced by most on board as we rolled around a little more than expected. Whilst the swell of the ocean had dropped we were now feeling a little more of the seas energy due to a change in the course, which is now steering us towards Fremantle.
The seas continue to subside and we are now once again gently rolling our way along in a northerly direction. Bird life still surrounds the ship as we continue on with the odd Wandering Albatross spotted this morning. Expeditioners and crew alike are turning their minds towards our arrival into Fremantle which has been confirmed for the morning of 13th of April 2021, time will be confirmed tomorrow . People are beginning to organise their belongings and getting their rooms in order.
The Voyage Management Team and Station Leaders continue to work with personnel at Kingston to firm up details and plans around our return, which include accommodation and the logistics around returning to our homes. We'd like to thank the Human Resources Team back at Kingston who are working to assist with the requests of the expeditioners on board.
Regards: Andy, Jenn and Lauren
Ouch - yeah. Getting ~200 people from where they weren't supposed to arrive at back to where they belong during a pandemic isn't exactly the easiest task.
To the expeditioners: if you still have some energy left, give the Quokkas a wave when you pass by.
Amazingly they have enough Gnosis Avian Cheese left over to supply the next expedition.