Cape Town - After a challenging 13-month expedition, the crew of SA Agulhas II returned yesterday from Gough Island, carrying vital climate data and weather observations.
Acting chief director for Research and Specialised Monitoring Services at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), Ashley Johnson, said the expedition was a success.
“They had three major objectives: to make sure the base at Gough Island is maintained.
“The second objective was to make sure the collaboration with the UK is maintained.
“The third objective was the department's own scientific team having gone there to look at what the carbon exchange between the atmosphere and ocean is,” he said.
The mission was far from a routine journey, as it plays a crucial role in climate research and weather monitoring, essential for grasping the shifts in the planet's conditions.
Gough Island is a remote volcanic landmass in the South Atlantic Ocean, and rises over 900 meters above sea level. Covering an area of 91km², it hosts one of the world’s three main weather observation stations, managed by South Africa.
The station is vital for gathering data that supports scientific research, tracks the impacts of climate change, and evaluates severe weather events affecting the South African coast.
Johnson said the voyage also aimed to identify key measurements to predict severe weather patterns that could impact South Africa.
Thato Mtshali, chief scientist for the Gough Island voyage, led a team of scientists from various departments and institutions.
“We were mostly based on the ship doing oceanographic work, meaning we had to deploy some equipment.
“The main goal was to understand the biochemistry of the water surrounding the island.”
Mtshali said he was glad to be back, as they hadn’t had the chance to set foot on land during the mission.
The crew returned after also successfully transporting vital supplies, while another dedicated relief team departed to the Gough Island weather station last month.
There was a lengthy wait for the crew’s arrival on land yesterday, as unexpected hurdles were experienced at immigration.
Meshack Mogorosi, the team leader of D69 and a diesel mechanic, felt a mix of emotions as he arrived back in Cape Town.
He shared that being away for an extended period makes one accustomed to the camaraderie of the team and colleagues.
“I’m so excited to be home, but I also have mixed feelings. We have been together with my team, but now we are going to separate, but it was a nice feeling overall,” he said.
The SA Agulhas II is scheduled to set sail for Gough Island again around September or October 2025.
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