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Uruguayan scientists on HMS Protector en route to Antarctica for a joint research project

Monday, October 17th 2016 - 06:28 UTC
Full article 3 comments
Federico Weinstein and Carolina Rodríguez are travelling on HMS Protector on a scientific cruise to Antarctica (Pics; British Embassy Uruguay) Federico Weinstein and Carolina Rodríguez are travelling on HMS Protector on a scientific cruise to Antarctica (Pics; British Embassy Uruguay)
The two Uruguayan scientists before boarding the Ice Patrol which is currently heading for the Falklands The two Uruguayan scientists before boarding the Ice Patrol which is currently heading for the Falklands
Defense minister Jorge Menendez (with glasses) and officers hosted by Captain Angus Essenhigh RN at the bridge of the visiting vessel Defense minister Jorge Menendez (with glasses) and officers hosted by Captain Angus Essenhigh RN at the bridge of the visiting vessel
Visiting Uruguayan scientists and advanced students listen to a presentation on the Ice Patrol's operations. Visiting Uruguayan scientists and advanced students listen to a presentation on the Ice Patrol's operations.

Two Uruguayan young scientists are on board Ice Patrol HMS Protector en route to the Falkland Islands and Antarctica and will be participating in a research program on human impact on the Antarctic marine environment including pollution mainly by plastic made products. Federico Weinstein and Carolina Rodríguez belong to the Faculty of Sciences and represent the resumption of long standing links between the Ice Patrol and Montevideo.

 The two Uruguayan scientists will be working with five colleagues from the British Antarctic Survey, BAS.

HMS Protector arrived last week to Montevideo as part of a scientific enhancement visit which also included other neighboring countries, Chile and Brazil. While in Uruguay it held a series of conferences and presentations on the Ice Patrol operations to members of the Uruguayan Navy and Uruguay's Antarctic Institute. There was also a forum between Uruguayan and British scientists with a lively debate and exchange of experiences. In total some 150 people visited HMS Protector while in Montevideo.

Uruguay has a permanent base in Antarctica “Gral Jose Artigas”, at King George Island and since 1997 a seasonal station, Ruperto Elichiribehety, which was handed over by the British, originally Trinity House, Base D.

“It was a pleasure to have so many visitors on board HMS Protector, particularly because they represented a raft of institutions and organizations”, Executive Officer Commander Trefor Fox said.

Captain Angus Essenhigh RN also hosted Uruguay's Defense minister Jorge Menendez, and the head of the Uruguayan Antarctic Institute R/A Daniel Nuñez, during which he informed of plans for this Antarctic summer season.

“The opportunity offered by HMS Protector, taking two of our scientists to share research and experiences in the Antarctic Treaty Area is inestimable for the development of science in Uruguay and to have closer cooperation links”, C/A Daniel Nuñez said.

HMS Protector recently participated in Punta Arenas, Chile, in the century celebrations of the rescue of Sir Ernest Shackleton Endurance's crew by the Chilean navy officer Luis Pardo on board the Chilean steam tug Yelcho. Against all odds pilot Pardo in August 1916, managed to reach Elephant Island in Antarctica and bring back all crew members of Shackleton's expedition.

The Ice Patrol also underwent maintenance and repairs at Chile's Talcahuano naval base and before reaching Montevideo HMS Protector made a visit to Brazil's Rio Grande naval base, seat of the Fifth naval district in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. HMS Protector was last time in Montevideo in 2012.

 

Top Comments

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  • Kanye

    From this article, one would gather that the UK has good scientific and political cooperation with two enlightened SA states, Chile and Uru.

    Too bad the Argentines can only make childish noises about it.

    Oct 17th, 2016 - 06:50 am +2
  • Islander1

    Chris - Actually the UR Navy and Pot Ops was in on the act as well- in 2012 - she was recorded in the port movement records then as a “scientific research vessel of Norwegian origen” - sort of historically true in a way, as she was built in Norway as a research vessel - now on long term lease to the Royal Navy. - just that the Ur port records in 2012 sort of also omitted that there was a bloody great white ensign hanging from the stern!

    Oct 18th, 2016 - 02:45 am +1
  • ChrisR

    This article is what is supposed to happen when two countries with common goals work together.

    It is only happening now because the scientific community of Uruguay take absolutely no notice of the government and well done to them.

    Oct 17th, 2016 - 05:37 pm 0
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