HMS Dragon made her first visit to South Georgia over Christmas, reports the South Georgia newsletter in its December edition. The Type 45 air defense destroyer had a Westland Lynx helicopter on board which was used to survey the Barff Peninsula for any remaining reindeer ahead of the arrival of the Norwegian SNO marksmen.
There were 24 harbor visits to Grytviken during December, the majority, eighteen, from cruise ships and charter yachts which between them brought nearly 2000 passengers to visit South Georgia, according to the SG Newsletter.
The largest glacier in East Antarctica, containing ice equivalent to a six-meter rise in global sea levels, is melting due to warm ocean water, Australian scientists said on Monday.
A new polar research vessel is currently being designed for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). The new vessel will be an ice-capable, multi-role polar research and logistics ship which will be used to conduct science and to resupply the BAS stations such as the two in South Georgia, according to the latest South Georgia Newsletter.
Environmentalist, renowned sailor and Falklands resident Sally Poncet has joined an elite group of only eight women to have been awarded the prestigious Polar Medal this year. South Georgia Marine Officer Patrick Lurcock has also received the honor.
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) announced the appointment of Tudor Morgan to the full-time position of Environmental Manager. Tudor’s overall role is to support safe and environmentally responsible tourism to Antarctica, with a particular focus on field operations.
Colombia's first Antarctica expedition is expected to call in Punta Arenas on Wednesday before crossing to the peninsula to begin a three-month scientific hydrographic and climate research with twenty researchers on board committed to ten projects.
IAATO warns security measures essential for this relatively new activity. Tour operators may have to ban the use of unmanned vehicles out of environmental concerns
Chile is planning a strong expansion of its Antarctic and maritime support vessels as well as a major repair yard, according to a recent pledge by President Michelle Bachelet during the opening of the Exponaval and Trans-Port exhibitions in Valparaiso and Viña del Mar.
A novel autonomous sub has acquired the first detailed, high-resolution 3D maps of Antarctic sea ice. Released from a ship, the vehicle crisscrossed the underside of the floes, using upward-looking sonar to measure their shape.