site.btaBulgarian Naval Research Vessel RSV 421 Sails Off from Cartagena

The Bulgarian naval research/survey vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) sailed off from the Spanish port of Cartagena, passed by Europa Point and began its passage through the Strait of Gibraltar on its way to Mar del Plata, Argentina, the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy of Varna said on Facebook.

At Cartagena, the vessel stocked up on fresh provisions and fuel for its transoceanic voyage.

Cartagena is also where the short-term practical training of the Naval Academy cadets ends. Twenty-three Naval Academy cadets were on board the ship. Twenty cadets, including two Romanians, returned to Varna. Four cadets will be on board the vessel during the entire voyage, BTA learned from the Naval Academy Rector, Flotilla Admiral Kalin Kalinov. 

RSV 421 is part of the 33rd Antarctic expedition. It set off from Varna on November 7 and reached the first port on its route, Cartagena, in 10 days.