MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

South Georgia expects 65 cruise calls this season; “Ushuaia” was the first

MV “Ushuaia” a former vessel from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Grytviken

South Georgia received the first cruise ship of the season “Ushuaia” October 6th when she arrived at Grytviken. The Panamanian flagged vessel operated by Argentina’s Antarpply Expeditions, based returned on a separate cruise on the 27th.

These were the first of 65 expected cruise ship visits during the summer ahead, reports the South Georgia News and Events October edition.

The first yacht of the season, “Golden Fleece”, also arrived in King Edward Cove on October 6th. Other yachts soon arrived, three on charter and two private vessels. “Australis” dropped off a two-person BBC film crew in at St Andrews Bay to film the elephant seals before touring the island with the remaining charterers.

“Pelagic Australis” had a South Georgia Association group aboard and was also supporting a mountaineering team.

Another visitor was the Falkland Islands Protection Vessel HMS Clyde which spent several days patrolling South Georgia waters during October. She was alongside at King Edward Point (KEP) from the 8th to the 10th October.

HMS Clyde hosted a Shackleton themed mess dinner in the wardroom and the following day the ship's company enjoyed an opportunity to explore the local area. A few brave took a dip in the sea, others headed off for walks around the bay, tobogganing, a climb up Mt Duse or to visit the museum.

The KEP locals were invited to drinks aboard before the Captain and others were hosted to dinner by the Government Officer Patrick Lurcock at Carse House.

Several of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and museum personnel were invited to join the ship for a day trip on the 10th. The ship sailed to Fortuna Bay and a large group was put ashore to do the Shackleton Walk across to Stromness. The ship spent the following day in the St Andrews Bay area before continuing its patrol.

On October 30 “RRS James Clark Ross” came alongside at the KEP jetty for the annual supply of the base. (Source: South Georgia Website)