MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Penguin News Update.

Headlines:
Volunteers rise to the Challenge; Pristine island destroyed by fire; One dead, one seriously ill after alleged fight on jigger; Crane fault delays ship unloading; Cruise activity this week.

Volunteers rise to the Challenge

A TEAM of six volunteers from the Falkland Islands Defence Force (FIDF) has beaten off seven squads of full-time soldiers to win the Commando Challenge. The Challenge is an exercise which commemorates British military actions which took place during Operation Corporate in 1982. Teams were required to ?yomp' a distance of 43 miles over three days and carry out a number of testing command tasks along the way. The FIDF team were clear leaders by an overall time of two hours. Pictured: The FIDF team midway through the Commando Challenge. (L-R) Pte Daniel Biggs, Pte Kevin Ross, Pte Michael Floyd, Cpl Tom Blake, Pte David Fyfe and Pte Geoff Loftus.

Pristine island destroyed by fire

POLICE are investigating a fire which has destroyed a pristine island in Choiseul Sound. The whole of Green Island, located near Lively Island, now stands blackened and charred, following the alleged careless actions of a visiting yacht crew. Police have confirmed an investigation is being carried out into the fire. A spokesperson said, "Police Officers are in contact with the owner of the island who is presently on Albatross Island in South Georgia, and also with the insurance company for a private yacht that was visiting the Islands." Despite a quick response from the military, who within minutes of spotting the smoke had deployed helicopters and rainmaker equipment to tackle the flames, the fire reignited over the weekend and the island was completely ravaged. Green Island, which had no records of stocking, introduced pests or previous burning, was home to around 100 seals and a variety of birdlife. Becky Ingham of Falklands Conservation said, "Although it will recover in many years, the dense tussac is gone and yet more Falklands prime habitat has been wiped away, literally overnight." Ms Ingham said Falklands Conservation was grateful to the military, "... for their swift and enthusiastic response, which at first looked like saving the island's habitat." She stressed that any sea-going visitors to the islands, "...adhere closely to the countryside code and be aware of the dangers - especially regarding fires at this sensitive time of year. "The ability to be independent and travel on your own around the islands comes with a level of responsibility for your actions and the wildlife you have come to see. "With no local guides to show you around these islands you are able to experience the wildness and beauty of the Falklands for yourself. Please protect it for others to enjoy after you have left." Bombilla An investigation in to a fire which destroyed Bombilla House last month continues. A forensic expert who visited the Islands last week has prepared a report which the Police spokesperson said the Criminal Investigation Department, "...is considering at the moment." The spokesperson added, "The case is being investigated to find out the exact cause of the fire and enquiries are continuing."

One dead, one seriously ill after alleged fight on jigger

A TAIWANESE jigger is carrying a body to Uruguay, following an alleged violent incident which occurred on the high seas. Falklands Police say they believe the Chief Engineer of the Kai Sheng 6 died as a result of injuries caused by a member of the crew. The Captain of the vessel was flown to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Stanley on Wednesday, with severe head injuries, which it is believed he sustained during the same incident. The Police spokesperson said, "A person has been detained onboard the vessel and will be handed over to Uruguayan authorities on their arrival." As the incident is believed to have taken place in international waters, the Royal Falkland Islands Police has no jurisdiction over the alleged incident.

Crane fault delays ship unloading

A CHARTER ship which delivers an assortment of products from the UK has had problems unloading in Stanley. MV Anne Boye, chartered by the Falkland Islands Company (FIC), arrived in Stanley on Monday, requiring repairs to its cargo gear. Deck cargo, including fresh fruit and frozen goods, was removed using shore cranes, to allow a Bureau Veritas appointed surveyor to inspect repairs that were to have been carried out to the vessel's cargo gear by the owners. Roger Spink from FIC said, "On inspection the required repairs had not been completed and therefore the services of Mike McKay and Carl Freeman were required to try to complete the repair work in the Islands." Mr Spink said that on Wednesday it became clear the forward derrick (crane) was unlikely to be adequately repaired to satisfy the surveyor and therefore, "...discharge and loading of this hatch will be undertaken using shore cranes with the owners' agreement and at their expense." He added that the FIC hopes to be able to carry out the necessary tests on the vessel's other derrick on Friday or Saturday this week, "...to obtain the surveyors' approval so that this hatch can be discharged." Mr Spink said that it is believed that, should the necessary approval be given, the vessel will be able to complete its voyage to collect wool from Fox Bay. He added, "An alternative vessel is being chartered by the Company for our next sailing to minimise any delays to future itineraries. "Darwin Shipping Ltd would like to thank their customers for their understanding during this period and we can assure them that we are taking every step to minimise any further delays."

Cruise activity this week

AKADEMIK IOFFE is in Stanley today with 110* passengers on board. On Sunday and Monday, Minerva 2 (700) will be in Stanley. Infinity (1950) will also be in Stanley on Monday. Andrea (120) will visit New Island North and West Point Island on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Andrea (120) will call at Carcass and Saunders Island and Amsterdam (1380) will be in Stanley. *All passenger numbers are maximum capacity figures.