HMS Protector has completed a scientific and conservation mission to the Antarctic.
The ship covered 7,000 nautical miles during its deployment, helping scientific research and environmental efforts in one of the world’s most remote and inhospitable regions.
According to the Royal Navy here, the mission – known as Operation Austral – upholds the UK’s commitment to the Antarctic Treaty, protecting this precious place from harm.
Commanding Officer of HMS Protector, Captain Tom Weaver said:
“We are reminded every day by the stunning wildlife and environment that surrounds us. Operating in Antarctica is a rare privilege. I’m delighted that we were able to use Protector’s many capabilities to support Antarctic research and uphold the UK’s role within the Antarctic Treaty system.”
During the deployment, Protector was joined by two University of Portsmouth Professors who collected water and rock samples which will contribute to understanding the human impact that increasing levels of shipping and tourism are having on this delicate region.
“Sailors delivered 4.5 tonnes of conservation supplies to Port Lockroy and Detaille Island to help UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) members complete structural works on the historic buildings there.
The Plymouth-based ship eventually delivered aviation fuel to The British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) logistics centre at Rothera, which is essential for supporting their two aircraft that shuttle scientists to remote field study sites. Two penguin scientists from Oceanites joined Protector and researched over five penguin colonies counting over 10,000 penguins evaluating vital research on Antarctic penguin populations in support of climate science.
While surveying Antarctic waters, HMS Protector observed wildlife, recording data on species, numbers, behaviours and locations. During the latest survey, the ship documented 74 fur seals, 26 sei whales, 161 humpback whales, 25 fin whales, 18 killer whales, and even one reported sighting of an albino whale.”
They also serve who stand and take great Photos !
For all the criticism of present Defence Spending we tend to forget the other things “His Majesties Naval Service” does.
Indeed…. But there are a few questions I’d like to see answers to … for example, Proteus, Stirling Castle and Patrick Blackett were all in the news in recent times yet it seems they are all just sat Idle or have been for a significant portion of time…. Yes the Stirling Castle seems to be active off and out of Plymouth at the moment but what is going on here… why do we take these ships on and do next to nothing with them ? How much does it cost for them to be (partially) crewed but just being Harbour… Read more »
Not that I’m unduly paranoid, but do hope that HMS Protector is also tasked to monitor whatever the hell nefarious activities the ChiComs are conducting in Antarctica at the moment. 🤔😳😉
M8 I have no idea, but I’d bet that they do. Last year I had a conversation over dinner with a retired US Army Officer (engineer) and his wife who is a serving Diplomat. We were chewing the world up (as we do) and he asked “why exactly are you Brits “Special Alies” these days ?”. I thought about an answer, but his wife provided it. ”Experience, loyalty and Land, lots of all 3 and they are all where we aren’t but absolutely need them !”. Antartica is going to be very important in the future and right now with… Read more »
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Sorry to butt in but I find that really interesting… It sort of confirms the important role the UK still plays in the World with key bases in key areas…. Ascension, Falklands, Antarctica, Gibraltar, Diego Garcia, Bahrain, Cyprus to name a few. Interestingly though, the US has way more bases around the World than most others put together.
Quality over Quantity springs to mind.
Just out of interest, what did you all have for Dinner ? I’m strangely intrigued…. 😁
The distance between Plymouth and Antarctica is something like 10 thousand nautical miles, I’m a tad confused as to the “7000” in total mentioned in the article… Was she deployed from the FI’s ?
Hi Frank. In the past, she and her predecessors operated out of the Falklands and were part of our overall Military presence in the region which included forays to South Georgia, the South Sandwich islands and British bases Antarctica. With the stretch of budgets all round it might be that she is now only deployed at intervals from the UK although the 7000 miles has to mean deploying from FI and her trips in the Antarctic/South Atlantic seas. I seem to remember she docked at Cape Town some time ago
Hello Geoff, I know the history of these forays pretty well and long may they continue, it’s such an important part they play…. How’s the weather in SA ? i do like to visit a little Watering Hole in Namibia “Nabib Water hole” on Youtube, It’s a great place to see the wildlife but the weather is always warm/hot and sunny, I must admit to being slightly envious.
Hello Frank-I hope you are well! This is hottest most humid time of the year here in Durban. I have been in Namibia in the Namib Nakluft park when it was about 45 degrees but here at about 35 is much worse because of the humidity. Lots of weather variations depending where you are in SA. Despite troubles still a must visit country and Namibia is truly awesome.
Friend of mine did the Falklands and South Georgia trip some years back.
Cheers from Durbs
I was looking at Property prices on the seashore in Namibia only last week…. It seems to be quite a popular place with high prices being asked…. I kind of like the Idea of the Thousand miles of sand lol…. but i’m sure it might get a tad boring after a while…. I believe SA has more rocky coasts, I much prefer fishing off the rocks…. I also like the way “Indian” food has been embraced in your lovely part of the world…. might just have to pay a visit.