Adventure in Antarctica
Researchers tell of high seas, animal dangers – and spooky penguins
SPENDING more than a year on an island might sound like an idyllic getaway – but not so for a group of maritime research vessel scientists who had to put up with high waves covering their ship’s decks, penguins’ awkward stares and a craving for fresh fruit.
The group of researchers attached to the SA Agulhas II returned home this weekend and disembarked in Port Elizabeth after spending 14 months on Marion Island, at the research station about 2 000km southeast of Cape Town.
Among those who returned was Pierre Joubert, 24, an SA National Space Agency (Sansa) engineer from Pretoria.
On Saturday, he described how he and the crew first arrived at the sub-Antarctic Indian Ocean island more than a year ago.
“We got there and we saw the island covered in mist and it was raining,” he said.
“The helicopters couldn’t fly. Usually we would fly from the ship on to the island, but we took rubber ducks and were hoisted up on to the island.
“We finally got to the island and there were 20 people who had not seen anyone in a year. They were all excited.
“Everyone is really enthusiastic and happy – it is an amazing experience,” Joubert said.
And the main thing on his mind as he made his way back home was fruit. “You just crave an apple, because you haven’t had any fresh produce for an entire year,” Joubert said.
But it was not only fresh fruit the team missed.
“A lot of the research involves animals. We have to weigh them every once in a while, to get an estimate of how well they are doing as a species.
“These are wild animals that you have to catch and play with.
“They are so cute, you would expect them to happy. But they are just so angry the whole time,” he said.
“None of them is friendly. This is tough because you just want something like a little dog to cuddle, and they are just not happy to see you.”
Navigation cadet Lindani Dladla, 21, of Durban, was also on the team. He said he was stunned by the beauty and serenity of Antarctica.
“Not everyone gets the privilege to go there, and see such crystal-blue water that you will never get to see anywhere else,” Dladla said.
He said it could be very boring, but “if you are there to explore, then you will enjoy it”.
Department of Environmental Affairs senior scientific research technician Marco Worship, 39, of Cape Town, said the job could be dangerous at times.
“Once we were testing one of the instruments we work with and a massive wave came over the deck and washed us away.
“We all got washed inboard, and were just praying that we would not get washed over.
“It was very scary, but the doctors came immediately and luckily nobody was injured.
“The sea is really unpredictable. Sometimes it is nice and calm and in a matter of a second there are large waves, but I love this job.
“The penguins turn their heads when they see us and they just give this confused look. It is just so interesting.”
The SA Agulhas II is an icebreaking polar supply and research ship owned by the department. It was built in 2012 and designed to carry out scientific research and supply stations in the Antarctic.
These include Marion Island where research includes weather and climate studies, the interactions between various systems, and the histories of seals, seabirds and killer whales.
