Marion Island team back home as base remains temporarily closed

SA Agulhas II returns with overwintering team

SOUTH AFRICA: The SA Agulhas II berthed in the Port of Cape Town from Marion Island today after the scheduled trip to fetch the team of scientists overwintering at the base was delayed due to lack of available fuel.

The team were forced to extend their stay on the island as the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) calculated that the surplus supplies stored at the base was sufficient to ensure their safety and comfort as they waited for the vessel’s arrival.

The DFFE announced that they would not be sending a relief team to the base when it became apparent that the fuel volatility was impacting on the availability of supply. This means that the Marion Island facilities will remain unattended until such time as the fuel challenges are resolved.

“While the temporary closure of the base is unfortunate following the emergency evacuation, my team and I felt it important to prioritise the safety and well-being of our people,” said Minister Willie Aucamp who confirmed that the SA Agulhas II had been authorised to sail on “Ice Mode”, which is the use of maximum speed in order to reach Marion Island as quickly as possible.

Fuel for the island is specifically blended as polar diesel to function properly in temperatures that would crystalise normal diesel.

Acknowledging the importance of the research and environmental management programmes being undertaken at the base, Minister Aucamp confirmed that the Department is working hard to get the base back up and running, with a full team and adequate supplies. It is hoped that this can be achieved within two-to-three weeks, dependent on a couple of factors including safe weather conditions that allow helicopter operations at the base.

The Minister used the opportunity to greet the overwintering team, thanking them for their patience. Meeting the vessel as she docked in Cape Town today, he and the Director-General, Nomfundo Tshabalala handed out certificates to the whole team.

“Now that we have secured the wellbeing of our people, we will work to restart the systems at the base, undertake repairs, restock the food and fuel supplies, while also initiating various interventions to mitigate against future risks during all voyages to the three South African remote scientific bases,” he said.

To start with, the Department has secured an 18-month supply of polar diesel so that the base has a sufficient contingency of fuel. “We are also looking into the procurement of a large fuel depot facility where this polar fuel could be stored, not only for our own use, but also for the potential use of other countries that operate polar bases.

PHOTO: SA Agulhas II at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment berth in the V&A Waterfront. (© Maritime Review Africa)

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