Debarkation from RSV 421 at Bulgarian Base St. Kliment Ohridski

On February 13, after a 49-day historic maiden voyage from Bulgaria to Antarctica, the naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) dropped anchor in the bay in front of the Bulgarian Antarctic base Sv. Kliment Ohridski on Livingston Island.

As there is no jetty facility on the beach to assist in the transfer of people and cargo ashore, the debarkation is being carried out by Zodiac boats. From the shore of the island, the Zodiac is launched by means of a cargo lifting machine after taking into account weather conditions, it approaches the ship and moors parallel to one of its sides. A rope ladder and a safety rope are lowered from the ship, by means of which the transfer of persons takes place. It is compulsory for everyone boarding the Zodiac to wear a life-saving waterproof suit specially adapted to protect the body in polar waters.

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 covering the Bulgarian expedition throughout its stay in Antarctica. All media outlets can use BTA's Bulgaria-Antarctica Log for free.