Working Conditions Aboard the Hokuetsu-Ushaka

After a two-day stay aboard the 'Hokuetsu Ushaka', the crew of the 'Kon-Tiki 2' and their scientific equipment from Tupac have been successfully moved to the Coastguard vessel 'Pilot Pardo'. This transfer highlights the professionalism of the Chilean rescue operations. The crew expressed heartfelt appreciation for Captain Yun Sun Gug, hailing from South Korea, who provided them with a welcoming environment on the 'Hokuetsu Ushaka'. Captain Gug, who faced his own maritime adversity 41 years ago when he was rescued from the Indian Ocean after his ship sank, ensured the crew felt at ease during their ordeal. The efficient operation involved a swift transition to a RIB boat, allowing them to be raised onto the rescue ship with remarkable speed. The 'Kon-Tiki 2' crew anticipates their arrival in Talcahuano, located 450 km south of Santiago, on March 21 at 10 a.m. For more information, visit http://www.kontiki2.com/

On March 17, 2016, the daring crew of the "Kon-Tiki 2" expedition received a hero's welcome as they were saved by the freighter "Hokuetsu Ushaka" off the coast of Chile, approximately 1,000 miles from Puerto Montt. The rescue operation came after 114 days at sea, during which the crew traversed 4,500 nautical miles across the Southeast Pacific. In a strategic effort to ensure safety, the balsa rafts were disassembled carefully to prevent any hazards to passing ships. The expedition's original goal was ambitious—demonstrating that balsa rafts could successfully navigate from South America to Easter Island and back. After reaching Easter Island in just 43 days, the return journey turned out to be more challenging due to unpredictable wind conditions. As a result, the expedition team made the difficult decision to conclude their journey after more than three months at sea. For further details and captivating images from the adventure, visit the following links: http://www.kontiki2.com/ http://www.nrk.no/hordaland/norsk-kon-tiki-kaptein-skuffet-over-ekspedisjonsavbrudd-1.12860882 http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/uriks/Kon-Tiki-2-mannskapet-reddet-utenfor-kysten-av-Chile-8399285.html http://www.universitetsavisa.no/forskning/2016/03/18/Kon-Tiki-mannskapet-i-sikkerhet-56208.ece http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/18/chilean-navy-rescues-14-crew-members-from-kon-tiki-balsa-rafts