MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Penguin News Update.

Kiwi kayakers are first around South Georgia;
Serviceman killed in road accident; Veterans to visit;
News in Brief:
Policemen suspended; Beauchene shop closing; Multanovskiy tomorrow.

Kiwi kayakers are first around South Georgia

JUST as a team of British kayakers is preparing to leave home to begin an attempt at the first entire circumnavigation of the island of South Georgia comes the news that a team from New Zealand has beat them to it. The three Kiwis, Graham Charles, Mark Jones and Marcus Waters - together known as Adventure Philosophy - set off from King Edward Point in mid-October with the goal of circumnavigating the sub-Antarctic island. Their goal was achieved when they arrived back at King Edward Point on Monday afternoon. The task had previously been attempted twice: a team of Royal Marines tried and failed in 1991 as did Wade Fairley and Angus Finney in 1996. Speaking to Penguin News by satellite telephone from South Georgia, Kiwi team leader Graham Charles said the circumnavigation went well: "The weather was very South Georgian -very cold -but we didn't get hammered by any lethal storms. From our point of view, strategically it went very, very well. "Some days we questioned what we were doing, particularly why we were persevering in these head winds, but we also had some good luck, particularly on the longer legs when we had calm conditions." Throughout their journey and at their campsites each night, the three men were surrounded by South Georgia's extraordinary wild life. Graham commented, "That was one of the highlights, the sheer magnitude of wildlife, such as elephant seals and penguins, especially in some of the bigger colonies. "It was fantastic to watch Marcus and Jonesy seeing it for the first time and their awe at this polar Serengeti." According to Graham, the team experienced a mix of emotions in the final stages of their journey: "It's a mixture of happiness and disappointment. We've got total satisfaction at completing the job and doing it first but it was such a good journey and we would have been happy to keep going. "If someone said the rest of the world had vaporised while we were out there, it wouldn't have mattered, we were our own unit." The British team of kayakers, who had hoped to be the first to complete the South Georgia circumnavigation, are due to head south in mid-November. When asked if he had a message for the Brits, Graham simply said, "We hope they have a good trip and stay safe. We're stoked that we're first, but I hope they have a great trip and get a lot out of it." Graham, Mark and Marcus will now spend the next few days further exploring South Georgia before sailing to the Falkland Islands. Photo: Eight kids, a policeman and a bike - what are this lot up to? Find out on page 3.

Serviceman killed in road accident

A LETTER of condolence has been sent to the Commander of British Forces (CBF) following the death of a serviceman last week. Darren Burton (24), a crew member of HMS Dumbarton Castle, died following an accident on the Mare Harbour Road on Saturday, October 29. A number of people were also injured in the accident. In a letter to CBF, Executive Councillor Jan Cheek said, "I write on behalf of the Government and the People of the Falkland Islands to express our sadness and deepest sympathy on the recent sad loss of a crewmember of HMS Dumbarton Castle. Please pass on our thoughts to the family and the Captain and crew of HMS Dumbarton Castle." She also extended best wishes to the injured, "...and hope for a speedy recovery of all those involved in the terrible accident." An inquest into Mr Burton's death was opened on Tuesday morning. After formal identification, it was adjourned to a date to be fixed, for a post-mortem report on the medical cause of death.

Veterans to visit

A GROUP of veterans of the Falklands War are due to arrive in the Islands on Wednesday. Karl Harper and Mark O'Neill of 2 Para and Chris Hamell and Mark Blain of 3 Para will make the journey, along with Falklands Veterans Foundation representative Derek ?Smokey' Cole. A nurse from the Uganda, Nicci McLelland, and a carer, Karl Harper, will accompany the Parachute Regiment men, while Pat and Jean Higgs, mother and sister of Cpl Peter Higgs, who died in the battle for Mt Longdon, will also visit. The group will tour San Carlos, Goose Green, the North Camp, Mt Longdon and Bluff Cove Lagoon, the latter by kind arrangement with Kevin Kilmartin. Father Peter Norris will be holding a small service at the 1982 Memorial on November 11 at 11am. Gary Clement of the South Atlantic Medal Association said the service has been arranged especially for the visitors but, "anyone would be welcome, I am sure." Two minutes silence will be held at this time.

News in brief

Policemen suspended

Beauchene shop closing

BEAUCHENE Trading is closing its shop doors on Christmas Eve. Manager Teena Ormond yesterday confirmed, "We are closing on December 24 but the buildings are not for sale." She declined to comment further. However, owner/director of Beauchene Trading, Coleen McLaughlin said the company will continue to operate: "A culmination of factors have led to the closure of the shop but Beauchene Trading will continue."

Multanovskiy tomorrow

CRUISE vessel Professor Multanovskiy will call in to Stanley tomorrow. Around fifty passengers will be flying in to Mount Pleasant via LAN; they will visit the Museum and have time to explore town before joining the ship. She will head to George and Barren Islands on Sunday. On Thursday, Molchanov is due to visit New Island and Carcass Island.

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