site.btaRSV 421 Anchors Off Bulgarian Antarctic Base, Prepares for Cargo Handling

The Bulgarian naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) has relocated to Emona Anchorage, part of South Bay of Livingston Island, near the St Kliment Ohridski Bulgarian Antarctic Base, and is preparing for loading and unloading operations, the ship's Commanding Officer, Commander Radko Muevski, told BTA.

Before that, RSV 421 spent over 24 hours anchored in Espanola Cove, also part of South Bay of Livingston Island, near the Juan Carlos I Spanish Antarctic Station, due to strong wind and high waves. After an early end to activities on January 18 due to worsening weather, the ship anchored in Espanola Cove where it stayed until Monday morning.

Loading and unloading operations are scheduled to take place. The ship is set to load waste materials from the construction of the new laboratory building at the Bulgarian Antarctic Base. A container will be unloaded to be used as storage. Ornithologist Boyan Michev will go onshore for fieldwork, and Marina Velikova will photograph the cargo handling.

The Bulgarian naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) departed from Varna on its third Antarctic expedition on November 7, 2024, and arrived at Livingston Island on December 28. The St Kliment Ohridski Bulgarian Antarctic Base on Livingston Island opened for the new polar season on November 23, 2024.

BTA has a national press club on the vessel and at the Bulgarian Antarctic base. This is the third year in a row that BTA has sent a correspondent to Antarctica. This year's correspondent is Milena Ostrovska, who arrived at the base on January 17. Her reports can be accessed free in English at "Bulgaria-Antarctica BTA's Log" on BTA's website and can be used for free by all media with attribution to BTA.