Swan Hellenic cruise ship helps rescue researchers in Antarctica

Swan Hellenic cruise ship helps rescue researchers in Antarctica

A Swan Hellenic ship has bravely swooped in to help rescue an expedition crew in Antarctica.

Swan Hellenic’s ice-class cruise ship, SH Minerva, assisted the evacuation of the Antarctic quest expedition team from Portal Point, sailing into Charlotte Bay on 16 January during its cruise exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.

The expedition team spent five weeks travelling over and along the spine of the Antarctic Peninsula when they realised they would have to attempt an early return.

COVID containment restrictions in Argentina led many Polar operators to cancel their programmes, so the expedition team could not be picked up as planned.

There was a very strong risk they might have been stuck on the peninsula, but the SH Minerva arranged to come to their assistance.

“We have to say the warmth and hospitality of everyone on SH Minerva was simply outstanding and we were treated with such kindness,” said expedition leader Paul Hart.

“It is hard to find words to express our gratitude for all that was done for us.”

The expedition was a commemoration of the life of Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, an Irish explorer who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic in the early 20th century.

The modern-day crew collected samples, providing information for its science collaborators on the levels of microplastics and metals in the snow, on the ozone hole, and the amount of UV reaching the Peninsula.

Swan Hellenic CEO, Andrea Zito, said the staff were thrilled to be part of something so incredible.

“The crew and guests on SH Minerva were delighted we could be of assistance in these challenging conditions and help the explorers safely complete their mission. The team were very generous in sharing their experiences, bringing a richly stimulating additional perspective to the voyage,” Zito said.

“Swan Hellenic is committed to assisting and building links with the research community, so this was a very fitting early episode for the first ship in our fleet.”

Latest News

  • Sustainability
  • Wholesalers

The Intrepid Foundation launches appeal to support Northern Vietnamese communities following Typhoon Yagi

Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal through its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, to support impacted communities in Northern Vietnam following Typhoon Yagi, which made landfall on 7 September, 2024. All funds raised through the appeal will go directly to grassroots organisation Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, to provide immediate relief to thousands without shelter, food […]

  • Aviation

Philippine Airlines and VietJet look to community connection near Western Sydney Airport

Both Philippine Airlines and VietJet will explore services from Western Sydney Airport with the airport’s proximity to the Filipino and Vietnamese diaspora in Sydney potentially beneficial to both carriers. Philippine Airlines VP revenue management and commercial planning Alex Featherstone, speaking at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific, said the carrier would “explore” the potential […]

  • Tourism

Australian Cycle Tours adds new cycle trip to the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail

Australian Cycle Tours has added a new, extended cycle trip that includes all sections of the popular Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail. The new trip commences in Beechworth with the first two days cycling with a transfer back to Beechworth, before continuing to Myrtleford and Bright, with a cycle on the newest sections of […]

  • Events
  • News

Anangu Communities Foundation raises $75,000 at its third annual Sydney fundraiser

Generous supporters gathered at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for the third annual Anangu Communities Foundation Sydney fundraiser to help raise $75,000. Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia administers the Foundation which so far has funded over $3 million in projects to support Anangu communities of Central Australia with a focus on building community capacity in healthcare, […]

  • News
  • Travel Agents

‘Virtuoso on Tour’ photos: Virtuoso showcases its best to agent base

Virtuoso hosted its second annual Virtuoso On Tour,  a destinations event at the ICC in Sydney showcasing tour operators, tourism boards and more to its agent family. The event is designed for travel agency members in Australia and New Zealand to network with Virtuoso partners across the globe. It housed six destination-themed pavilions (Australia & […]