(Archive photo: Sanap)
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has instructed that South Africa’s winter team on Marion Island leave the island as a matter of urgency. This is because the department is still struggling – due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East – to obtain enough polar fuel to ensure the team’s safety there.
Maroela Media earlier reported logistical delays in getting specialized polar diesel for the IN Agulhas II-relay to Marion Island delayed the ship’s departure. Special polar diesel is needed for the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic operations.
Die IN Agulhas II will now, however, urgently pick up the team and expect to reach Marion Island by Monday. After the weather cleared in Cape Town, where the ship was moored, two helicopters were able to land on the vessel and the ship departed.
Die IN Agulhas II itself does not require special polar diesel; it is specifically required for operations on the island – such as keeping generators running.
“The delay with the cruise was caused by the unavailability of essential fuel products that are mixed with regular diesel to create the special polar diesel. It is necessary to keep the base running under the extremely low temperatures that usually cause normal diesel to crystallize,” says Willie Aucamp, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
“Because we are uncertain when these products will be available, we cannot wait any longer at the expense of our team’s well-being. Our people’s lives come first.”
The SA Agulhas II in action. (Archive photo: Sanap)
After the crew arrives on the island, they are expected to be on the island for between three and five days before the team begins the retreat. They are expected to be back on home soil again on May 28.
However, the entire operation depends on the weather conditions at sea and at the base.
Aucamp assured South Africans, and especially the loved ones of the wintering team on Marion Island, that he and the department are working non-stop to ensure their safe return.
He instructed that he should be kept continuously informed of progress with the operation and that the wintering team should give him feedback on their return to South Africa.
“Their valuable experience will help the department to improve the overall experience of wintering teams at all three South African bases in remote areas.”