MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

HMS Iron Duke Falklands South Georgia safe passage

The Royal Navy's South Atlantic patrol HMS Iron Duke, accompanied by RFA Black Rover, has successfully navigated large icebergs in the Antarctic Convergence Zone to make a safe passage from the Falkland Islands to South Georgia.

The exercise was part of disaster relief organization operations in the South Atlantic and surrounding areas. HMS Iron Duke's Lynx Mk 3 helicopter was deployed to conduct twilight patrols to ensure a smooth passage to the area where the vessel this week is conducting an in-depth patrol. Upon arrival off the coast of South Georgia HMS Iron Duke surveyed areas to the east of the island taking in the abandoned Whaling Stations at Leith, Husvik and Stromness. Both ships entered Cumberland Bay, and HMS Iron Duke took the opportunity to make a close approach to the Nordenskold glacier. Iron Duke's bridge reported that due to the nature of the terrain of South Georgia this patrol close in to the rocky shoreline provided the team with some excellent navigation training. HMS Iron Duke has since spent some time at anchor off Grytviken which allowed the ship's company the opportunity to go ashore and see the abundant wildlife in and around the whaling station. British Antarctic Survey staff in South Georgia made use of the helicopter to survey areas of the island. RFA Black Rover is now returning to the Falkland Islands, while HMS Iron Duke continues patrolling activities. "The Atlantic Patrol Task (South) is a challenging and hugely rewarding deployment. Patrolling the island of South Georgia has been wonderful; it is truly a magical place. I am delighted to be here", said Commander Mark Newland HMS Iron Duke's captain. "My ship's company has worked incredibly hard over the last seven months. To expect a young sailor to have one job in our disaster relief organization operations, a second role when conducting counter-drugs patrols, and at the same time retain core skills such as those that provide reassurance to the Falkland Islands is a big task and they have responded magnificently. "To have been able to bring them to South Georgia is a wonderful reward for all their efforts", he concluded.