Australia’s fire-damaged Antarctic resupply ship has docked in Western Australia carrying expeditioners who haven’t seen home in more than a year, says an article published in TheNewDaily.
The MVP Everest
The MVP Everest started sailing after a year towards Fremantle Port on auxiliary power after fire destroyed its port side engine room.
The chartered ship was originally supposed to dock in Hobart but was diverted following the blaze, which destroyed two inflatable boats on deck.None of the 109 people aboard, including about 70 expeditioners, were injured.
Australian Antarctic Division operators on expeditioners
The expeditioners have been in Antarctica for almost 18 months, well beyond their scheduled stay, after the pandemic played havoc with transport plans.
Australian Antarctic Division operations and safety manager, Charlton Clark, said, “When they left Australia, there was no COVID. They’re coming back to quite a different and changed world.”
The expeditioners have had flights out of Western Australia arranged for them over the next few days.But the crew, who have operated the ship since October 2020, will have to remain on board or go into quarantine.
International Transport Workers Federation
The coordinator for the Australian branch of the International Transport Workers Federation, Ian Bray, said, “While the expeditioners will be able to leave the vessel and go home to the support of friends and family, the crew will remain stuck in WA until the future of the damaged vessel is known.”
He further adds, “We are extremely concerned that the crew will be isolated in quarantine or forced to remain on board the vessel, far from the help they need, adding to their serious mental anguish.”
Delivery of $529 million icebreaker
The Everest had been chartered for this summer’s resupply trips after the delivery of Australia’s new $529 million icebreaker RSV Nuyina was delayed due to COVID.It had completed stops at the Davis and Mawson research stations in Antarctica.
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Source: TheNewDaily
