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Live Antarctic Search and Rescue Exercise by IAATO in conjunction with Ushuaia

Friday, February 14th 2014 - 07:24 UTC
Full article 8 comments
M/V Polar Pioneer from Aurora Expeditions was involved in the exercise M/V Polar Pioneer from Aurora Expeditions was involved in the exercise

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and two IAATO Member Operators, Aurora Expeditions and Oceanwide Expeditions, took part in a live Search and Rescue Communications Exercise in collaboration with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) Ushuaia, Argentina.

 The intent of the training exercise was to test the lines of communication between the ship in distress, MRCC Ushuaia and a vessel tasked with going to the incident area to assist.

In the scenario, the ship M/V Polar Pioneer operated by Aurora Expeditions, sent out a distress call from the South Shetland Islands off the Antarctic Peninsula after losing propulsion due to its propeller being entangled in a fishing net.

The ship was carrying 64 passengers and 26 crew. In response, MRCC Ushuaia identified Oceanwide Expeditions’ 116-passenger ship M/V Plancius as being the nearest vessel to the Polar Pioneer and tasked it with going to assist.

IAATO Executive Director, Dr. Kim Crosbie said “Search and Rescue response in Antarctica is always a collaborative effort and we have a strong relationship with the five Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers that have responsibility in Antarctica. Live exercises such as this one provide valuable training opportunities, strengthen ties and demonstrate our ability to communicate in remote locations.

“Although we hope that these events are rare, IAATO’s role in collaboration with its member operators and the MRCCs is to ensure that we are ready to assist in any response quickly and effectively if they do occur.”

Top Comments

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  • golfcronie

    Vessel in distress to MRCC, “ mayday, mayday, mayday come in MRCC” At MRCC headquarters Juan says to Marcos “ turn the volume down I am trying to have a siesta”, Suddenly all goes quiet for a moment, then Juan says “ but we have no boat shall we send the Liberturd?” Marcos says “ just like everything that is a hassle, just ignore it , it might go away”

    Feb 14th, 2014 - 08:36 pm 0
  • A_neuTroll_Observer

    Stop all this international community nonsense. Argentina should cooperate with no one.

    Feb 16th, 2014 - 10:20 pm 0
  • cornelius

    @ 2 yes Argentina and their allies the pariahs terrorist countries in Africa and the middle east shout stand up against this blatant aggression, what a joke.ha,ha

    Feb 17th, 2014 - 01:53 am 0
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