site.btaUPDATED Bulgarian Naval Research Vessel Reaches Mar Del Plata in Argentina on Way to Antarctica

The Bulgarian naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) docked at the naval base in Mar del Plata after a 25-day ocean crossing, the Varna Naval Avademy announced on its social media Monday.

The Argentine city is the next port of call for RSV 421 as part of the 32nd Bulgarian Antarctic expedition, which also marks the end of another leg of its overseas voyage. Upon arrival on December 18, the ship was welcomed by Bulgarian Ambassador Stoyan Mihailov, Rear Admiral Marcelo Tarapow, Director General of Training and Preparation of the Argentine Navy, and officers from the Naval Base Command. A naval brass band with cheerleaders welcomed the crew. 

The ship was also visited by the President of the Confederation of Bulgarian Societies in Argentina and President of the Argentine-Bulgarian Foundation in Buenos Aires Ruzhka Nikolova.  

On Monday, commanding officer Nikolay Danailov was received by Rear Admiral Marcelo Luis Fernandez, Commander of the Naval Base in Mar del Plata. The two sides discussed issues related to the ship's stay at the naval base, the crew's recreational opportunities in Mar del Plata, cooperation and the ship's upcoming tasks during the 32nd Bulgarian Antarctic expedition 

The next port of call on RSV 421 is Ushuaia, Argentina, where the first group from the 32nd Bulgarian Antarctic expedition will board the ship to cross the Drake Passage and open another Antarctic season at the Bulgarian polar base on Livingstone Island.

RSV 421 will stay in Mar del Plata until December 21 to refuel, restock with drinking water and food.