Day 22: Drill Conducted Onboard RSV 421 to Reflect Potential Attacks of Fast-moving Surface Objects

A drill was conducted onboard the Bulgarian military research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (NAVAL RSV 421) to deflect potential attacks of fast-moving surface objects. The drill was conducted by the crew members at approximately 10:30 a.m. ship's time (11:30 a.m. EET) on January 17 in strict compliance with the safety instructions and after ensuring by radar means that the "horizon is clear" within a range of 40 nautical mile radius.

"We conducted a drill to deflect potential attacks by surface objects, mainly small fast-moving surface objects. The two units for the drill managed to arm up and deploy promptly. After a drill involving PK machine guns, training shooting with Kalashnikov assault rifles was conducted," the ship's Commanding Officer, Commander Nikolay Danailov, told BTA. 

"We used the opportunity to test grenade launchers for close combat, if such becomes necessary," he said. 

The drill was conducted due to the fact that the vessel is currently sailing in an area posing potential security risks near the Western African coast – attacks by local pirates. Vessels sailing in the area need to be careful about unlawful acts by suspicious unmarked unnamed objects which sail without lights and in contravention of general sailing rules. 

BTA's Daily News editor Konstantin Karagyozov is the only member of the media who is travelling on board the ship to Livingston Island and back, and will cover the Bulgarian expedition on site throughout the stay in Antarctica. All media outlets can use the Bulgaria-Antarctica BTA's Log for free.