After a 13-month expedition, the crew of the S. A. Agulhas II has safely returned home from Gough Island in the Atlantic Ocean, reports Cape {town} Etc.
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The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) welcomed the return of the S. A. Agulhas II on Monday, 7 October.
Members of the crew were located on Gough Island, an uninhabited volcanic island and UNESCO World Heritage site situated in the South Atlantic Ocean.
The island has an area of approximately 91km2 and is host to the South African Meteorological Station.
The station assists in the collection of data, scientific research, as well as the monitoring of climate change impacts and fluctuations.
It further aids in the monitoring of the impact of severe weather events on the coastlines of South Africa.
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The voyage had initially set three main goals. The first objective included ensuring the base on the island is properly maintained.
Given that the British Government is leasing the land on which the station is located to the South African Government, the second objective was to strengthen the partnership with the UK.
Lastly, the department’s scientific team was tasked with determining the carbon exchange between the atmosphere and ocean.
Ashley Johnson, the acting chief director for Research and Specialised Monitoring Services at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), confirmed the success of the expedition.
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IOL has confirmed that the S. A. Agulhas II will once again set sail for Gough Island in September or October of next year.
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Picture: GO! / Gallo Images
