Aurora Expeditions’ Akademik Shokalskiy has become the first ship to sail into Commonwealth Bay this Antarctic season, making it within 10 nautical miles of Mawson’s Hut to commemorate Sir Douglas Mawson’s arrival 100 years ago. The ship sailed into the bay on the evening of 10 January 2012, just two days after the estimated centenary of Mawson’s landing in 1912.

Expedition Leader, Roger Kirkwood, says he is thrilled at being able to get this close to Mawson’s Hut with the current ice conditions, noting the superior navigating skills of his highly experienced Russian Captain and his crew.

“The expedition team and all of our 48 passengers are ecstatic that we have actually arrived to celebrate and pay tribute to our Antarctic hero. It has been an amazing feat to finally reach Commonwealth Bay, but we did it!

“Our landing in Commonwealth Bay was simply magical. Our passengers went trekking over the ice, scattered with Adelie penguins, under a clear blue sky and no wind. The Antarctic Plateau and Cape Denison, the home of Mawson’s Huts, were both within sight. Certainly an experience of a lifetime!”


The rest of this article is for registered users only.
Login now using the right hand sidebar or select "Create An Account" to register FREE for full access to all articles, groups and forums.

Tags: Akademik Shokalskiy, Aurora Expeditions, Commonwealth Bay, Roger Kirkwood, Sir Douglas Mawson