Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii about to Cross Strait of Gibraltar

The Bulgarian research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii is on course to the Strait of Gibraltar on the 15th day of its voyage to Livingston Island, where it will support the 31st Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition.

After leaving Roquetas de Mar in the Gulf of Almeria on Monday, the ship covered approximately 115 nautical miles from 20:00 on 9 January to 10:00 on 10 January (CET). This was also due to the weather conditions in the Mediterranean Sea, which improved considerably during the night, allowing the ship to speed up and achieve an average speed of 8.5 knots in a bow wind of about 8 mps. The ship is expected to enter the Strait of Gibraltar in the early afternoon of 10 January.

After crossing the Strait, it will enter the Atlantic Ocean and head southwest towards the Canary Islands. Although the crew hopes for good weather, the crew remain ready to change course if necessary and take shelter in the Canary Islands in the event of adverse weather.

Then, Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii will also pass by the Cape Verde Islands, where its combat readiness will have to be raised due to the likelihood of a pirate attack.

BTA staff writer Konstantin Karagyozov is the only media representative who is on board the ship for the entire expedition to Livingston and back.