Voyage departure: 26th May 2006

Voyage departure: 26th May 2006

After months of planning the 2006 trip to New Zealand’s Graveyard seamounts is ready to go. Yesterday and today the Tangaroa (pictured) was loaded with all the equipment (including cameras, computers, sleds, grabs and trawls) as well as enough food for 26 people (12 scientists and 14 crew) for 2 weeks. All the supplies and gear were lashed down to ensure that, if things do get rough, they won’t roll around and get damaged.

However, before leaving it was essential that those new to the ship (Mireille Consalvey and Michelle Carter, pictured), as well as those who hadn’t been on board for over a year, were given a full tour and safety briefing. The ships safety officer (Yoshi) explained all aspects of safety on the ship, including how to launch the life rafts, stretcher any injured personnel to the ships hospital, look for a man over board and put on a life jacket/survival suit.

Finally at 16:00 the ship left Wellington harbour bound for the Graveyard seamounts…..

In the evening the scientists had a science meeting to discuss the objectives of the trip as well as the logistics. Join us in the coming days to hear how we get on.

Some facts about the Tangaroa

• The Tangaroa was purpose built as a research vessel in Norway (1991)
• Length: 70 m
• Weight: 2282 tonnes