The changeover of annual expeditions has begun at Vernadsky base. Late yesterday evening, Kyiv time, the team of the 31st Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition arrived on Galindez Island, where the station is located. They are to replace their colleagues from the 30th UAE, who have been conducting research and maintaining the base for a year.
This time, our ice class vessel “Noosfera” delivered the polar explorers very quickly: the entire journey from the Chilean port of Punta Arenas to Vernadsky took three and a half days. This was facilitated by both the extensive experience of the ship’s captain, Pavlo Panasyuk, who is now in his fifth Antarctic season, and the good weather.
‘Drake as a lake. Almost no waves. Too calm :))’, the expedition members joke as they comment on their journey through the world’s most turbulent strait.
They also shared their incredible impressions of seeing the first Antarctic landscapes and animals. In particular, on the way, they saw whales, penguins, cormorants, petrels and even Commerson’s dolphins. They are distinguished by their black heads and white throats and bodies.
Their predecessors and participants of the seasonal expedition were eagerly awaiting them at the station. See the emotional photos to see how the teams met.
In coming days, the unloading of the vessel will continue. Polar explorers have to transport 50 tonnes of cargo needed for the next winter season to the shore. Due to the relief of the seabed, the Noosfera cannot approach the station’s berths, so everything will be transported by motorboats.
Scientists and specialists from the 30th UAE will also hand over their work to the 31st expedition team. Therefore, the next few weeks will be very busy at the station.
