Wyatt Earp readied for Antarctic challenges

Behind him his charge. PO Brown with Wyatt Earp the launch which will continue its survey activities at Mawson Base this Antarctic summer. An anticipated boost in eco-tourism in part prompts the work. All photos this section by ABPH Bill Louys.

An expected boost in eco-tourism to the Antarctic is just one factor prompting an expansion of shipping lane charting in the region.

Charged with doing the work for Australia is the Wollongong-based Hydrographic Service.

It will again dispatch its 5.7 tonne, 9 metre, hydrographic survey launch Wyatt Earp under the command of LCDR Mick Rigby, to the region in January.

The launch and its cargo of electronic equipment, will be carried south from Hobart in December onboard a chartered icebreaker to spend January and February at Australia’s Mawson Base, charting routes into the vital facility as it did last year doing other areas.

LCDR Rigby will take a team of probably four to the region, including hydrographers and a mechanic.

Currently Wyatt Earp is on the hardstand at the Port Kembla Water Police Base undergoing mechanical work in readiness for the arduous work it will do.

• By LCDR Greg Rochester, RAN

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