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Swan Hellenic’s SH Minerva rescues Antarctic Quest 21 expedition team

SH Minerva performed an emergency extraction of a team carrying out science and educational outreach in the Antarctic Peninsula, after COVID-19 containment restrictions in Argentina prevented the expedition group from being picked up as planned.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

January 26, 2022

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Evacuation

The Swan Hellenic ice-class vessel evacuated the Antarctic Quest 21 team from Portal Point, sailing into Charlotte Bay on January 16 during its second cruise exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. The researchers arrived safely in Ushuaia, Argentina in possession of valuable samples and data during a trip that was intended to commemorate the centenary of Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton’s final voyage.

‘The crew and guests on SH Minerva were delighted we could be of assistance in these challenging conditions and help the explorers safely complete their mission,’ said Swan Hellenic CEO Andrea Zito. ‘The team were very generous in sharing their experiences, bringing a richly stimulating additional perspective to the voyage.’

He went on to assert that ‘Swan Hellenic is committed to assisting and building links with the research community, so this was a very fitting early episode for the first ship in our fleet.’

The expedition team had spent five weeks in remote areas over and along the spine of the Antarctic Peninsula, before realizing there was a risk of getting stuck on the Peninsula and attempting an early return.

 Met with ‘warmth and hospitality’

Antarctic Quest 21 expedition leader, Paul Hart, said of the experience, ‘The warmth and hospitality of everyone on SH Minerva was simply outstanding and we were treated with such kindness. It is hard to find words to express our gratitude for all that was done for us.’

The expedition collected samples providing vital information on the levels of microplastics and metals in the snow, on the ozone hole, the amount of UV reaching the Peninsula and meteorological observations to help improve the modelling of ice-mass accumulation and loss on the Antarctic Peninsula.
 

Read more about:

Swan HellenicAntarctica

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

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