Working Conditions Aboard the Ortelius

In a swift response to a medical emergency, a 66-year-old Dutch woman, believed to have suffered a stroke, was evacuated from the expedition vessel 'Ortelius' while navigating the icy waters of Antarctica. The ship altered its course towards the American McMurdo Station, located on the edge of the frozen continent. On January 30, 2017, when the decision to evacuate was made, the 'Ortelius' was approximately 620 kilometers away from the station. The crew worked diligently to approach McMurdo Station as closely as possible, adjusting their route to accommodate challenging ice conditions. Should the ice prevent direct access to the station, the ship's helicopter was on standby to airlift her safely. The woman was set to be transported to New Zealand on a scheduled flight following her evacuation. In close collaboration with the U.S. Antarctic Program, the rescue coordination was managed by RCCNZ, which maintained active communication with the vessel, McMurdo Station, and relevant government offices in New Zealand. The planned evacuation was expected to be executed on January 31 around midday, with her arrival in New Zealand anticipated by February 1. Thankfully, the woman was reported to be in stable condition throughout the ordeal.

The Norwegian patrol vessel 'Sortland' and the supply ship 'Polarsyssel' (IMO: 9690949) came to the aid of the disabled expedition vessel 'Ortelius' as it was stranded north of Forlandet. Carrying 146 individuals, including 105 passengers, the 'Ortelius' was subsequently anchored near Longyearbyen, where technicians have been diligently addressing the engine issues. As a result, the expedition that commenced on June 1 has been called off. Passengers on board have been offered alternative trips departing from Longyearbyen. Optimistically, it is anticipated that the vessel will be back in operation for the next scheduled cruise beginning on June 8. On the evening of June 4, three engineers arrived from the Netherlands to assist with the repairs, which commenced promptly while the ship remained under tow. For further insights, please refer to the Norwegian report along with accompanying photographs at http://svalbardposten.no/nyheter/slept-til-byen/19.7240.

In an impressive turnaround, the towing operation for the 'Ortelius' progressed significantly quicker than anticipated. The convoy successfully navigated to the western shore of Svalbard by the afternoon of June 5, reaching the protective harbor of Longyearbyen by midnight. Initially, it was projected that the voyage to Longyearbyen, where the vessel was scheduled for essential repairs, would take roughly two days. Covering a distance of approximately 300 nautical miles from Hinlopen Strait to Longyearbyen, this rapid arrival was facilitated by the Coast Guard vessel 'Sortland', which trailed closely behind the 'Ortelius'. A detailed report along with a photograph of the operation can be found on Nordlys: http://www.nordlys.no/ortelius/svalbard/hrs/her-slepes-cruiseskipet-rundt-svalbard/s/5-34-431110.