Expedition Ship Bremen

Today the 6,750 gross ton passenger vessel BREMEN arrived in the bay.  There is nothing unusual in this, as there have been a steady flow of cruise ships touring the island this season, however this one was bringing two new additions to the base here at KEP.  On board was a senior member of the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands government, and the other an official from the Foreign and Commonwealth office.  They will be staying with us on business, and had secured places on the BREMEN to bring them to South Georgia.  The conditions on there arrival were variable, and it was decided the seaworthy Jet Launches would be used to transfer them ashore as the BREMEN intended to anchor outside the cove off Hope Point, and it may have proved too rough for her Zodiacs to safely enter the cove.
Around 1400 local time the ship came into view off the approaches to King Edward Cove so I took PRION the harbour launch out into the gusty and sleety conditions taking Pat the Government Officer to board (to and carry out clearance protocols) and collect the government officials and bring them back to KEP.    It was necessary for me to put the Pilot Launch alongside the boarding platform on the Port side of the BREMEN.  The platform was narrow, and the sea state was short and steep, which caused me some work keeping her straight and level while we did the PAX transfer.  Tommy, my crew, did a great job working the deck and after a few minutes passengers and kit were loaded and we were heading back to KEP.  The operation went smoothly despite slightly difficult conditions, and we arrived back at the wharf shortly after 1500.  Shortly after I returned ashore I took the picture below from a window in the Kitchens.. An amazing rainbow had appeared in the wake of another squall and was framing the BREMEN beautifully.....