VP8STI Shuts Down, Operators Return to Ship
From
ARRL de WD1CKS@VERT/WLARB to
QST on Tue Jan 26 00:58:47 2016
01/25/2016
After managing to recover from the effects of a fierce South Atlantic storm, an emergency resulting from the storm has forced the VP8STI team back to their transport vessel, the R/V Braveheart. Chief Pilot Station Toni Gonzalez, EA5RM, said the Braveheart's skipper, Nigel Jolly, declared an emergency on January 25 at 2120 UTC, ordering the VP8STI team to cease all operations and return to the ship.
A large ice flow that broke away due to the storm threatens to block the entrance to the bay where they were camped, opening up the possibility that the ship might not be able to retrieve them. The team now is safely aboard the vessel and moving away from Southern Thule Island, but all of the DXpedition's gear and personal effects remain on the island.
They are hoping that a break in the weather will let them return to the camp site. Once they are able to retrieve their equipment, they will make a decision on whether to go forward with the planned VP8SGI operation from South Georgia.
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