Day 27 - Commander Danailov: Step by Step, We Are Regaining Our Pride as Seafaring Nation

"Our crossing the equator put Bulgaria back on the sea map," said Nikolay Danailov, the Commanding Officer of the Bulgarian military research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (NAVAL RSV 421).

RSV 421 crossed the equator at 03:19 hrs ship time (04:19 hrs Eastern European Time) on January 22, thus becoming the first military research vessel in Bulgarian shipping history to sail beyond the zero parallel. It entered the South Atlantic, staying on its south-southwestward course to South America en route to Livingston Island in Antarctica, where it will support the 31st Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition.

Commander Danailov noted that it was not some crew employed by a foreign company that crossed the equator. "It was our national naval flag flying beyond the equator, beyond the visible horizon. In this way, step by step, we are regaining our pride as a seafaring nation," he said.

He went on to comment: "It does not matter whether I was the first, the second or some later commanding officer of a military research ship to cross the equator. What really matters is that we are performing a national task. As a military man and a Bulgarian naval officer, it is of paramount importance to me that I have a goal set for me by the leadership of our Naval Academy and by the Bulgarian Navy. I just carry on, never looking back."

"Of course, my inner joy is quite big, but I should not let emotion compromise safety and the important work at hand," Danailov said.

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.