The icebreaker “ Almirante Irízar ” is once again sailing the waters of the Southern Ocean, beginning the second phase of its Antarctic Summer Campaign . This mission aims to transport and resupply materials and personnel at Argentine bases in Antarctica , with a special focus on the Joint Antarctic Base Belgrano II , located some 1,300 kilometers from the South Pole , the southernmost of the country's scientific stations.
The “ Irízar ” left the port of Buenos Aires last Tuesday , after returning from a month-and-a-half stay on the frozen continent . During its stopover in the Argentine capital , the ship resupplied and loaded necessary supplies for the Antarctic bases, in addition to embarking military and scientific personnel who will be deployed in the white territory.
The first stage of this campaign began at the end of November last year , and during its development, the ship made several significant journeys. From the beginning, the helicopters of the Second Naval Squadron have been crucial for the air transport of supplies from the warehouses of the " Irízar " to the different bases.
Among the first bases visited was the Petrel Base , which was reached in difficult weather conditions. The “ Irízar ” then continued its journey, supplying the Esperanza, Marambio, Carlini, Brown, Primavera and Cámara bases , completing its first mission at the century-old Orcadas Base .
The commander of the “ Almirante Irízar ”, Captain Sebastián Musa, highlighted the difficulties faced by the crew in the midst of adverse climates and the unpredictable state of the ice surrounding these bases .
“ There are no days or hours for operations in Antarctica. Only the iron will of our people stands against the extreme environmental conditions of this continent. Each movement requires special concentration before executing it. And this ship has military personnel with vast Antarctic experience ,” stressed Musa , who has multiple campaigns under his belt.
The “ Irízar ” also operated in conjunction with other Navy vessels and, during its journey , provided water and fuel to the ARA “Puerto Argentino” and delivered supplies to the Decepción and Petrel bases.
As it progresses south, the “ Irízar ” will soon cross the Drake Passage , one of the most challenging routes on the planet, where it hopes to face even more ice fields .
The journey between Orcadas Base and Belgrano II is estimated to take about five days , including the maneuver to avoid huge icebergs and the delicate task of approaching the edge of the ice in Vahsel Bay.
The rapid freezing of the waters marks the end of opportunities to reach the southernmost bases , making this a crucial mission. The completion of this second stage of the Antarctic Campaign is scheduled for mid-March , when the “ Irízar ” will return to port, preparing for its third and final phase on the frozen continent.
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