Greetings from a breezy South Georgia. Today came the return of the RSS James Clark Ross to KEP. They are stopping to retrieve the two government official who arrived with us on the Bremen last week, drop 2 scientists and equipment ashore for the day and replenish the bond (base alcohol!).
The photos below show my approach driving the pilot launch up to the pilot ladder. Conditions were challenging again due to the gusty and flukey winds, and the seas are lumpy in the bay. It was decided not to bring the JCR into the cove due to the present conditions and a faulty Stern Thruster, so we also carried out the cargo transfer. The crew on the JCR loaded the cargo into a net which is then craned out and placed on the aft deck of the pilot launch. It kept me busy again keeping the pilot vessel stationary while my crew (Sam and Alastair) worked the deck. Kieron boarded via the ladder to do a customs clearance then 2 Boat Suits and lifejackets were passed up via a line for the 2 passengers who were then embarked to take ashore. Once passengers and cargo were safely on board and secured we returned to KEP, but only for a short time. Once the passengers and cargo were ashore it was time to grab lunch on the fly and then return to sea to retrieve Kieron once the clearance procedure was complete.
There will be a further trip this evening to take the government guys out, and possibly another to board the Hanseatic (a cruise ship) for customs clearance. Sometimes Saturday duty calls, and there is no overtime... its a good job the sun is shining!!
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| Approaching the JCR |
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| Pilot ladder is in position on the Starboard side |
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| ensuring the crew are ready to receive us alongside. |
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| Making my approach. The Boarding Gate is open. |
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| The Government Officer about the board the ladder. As soon as he is on the ladder I will move the pilot vessel away. |
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