Discover the Professor-Khromov: Ratings & Maritime News

Amidst fierce weather challenges in the Antarctic, the 'Professor Khromov' has been enlisted to aid in the urgent search for the distressed 14.3-meter steel yacht 'Berserk'. This operation began after the yacht's distress beacon, indicating a critical emergency, ceased functioning on the night of February 23, 2011. Earlier, the beacon had been activated around 5 PM (7 PM AEDT) on February 22, originating from the Ross Sea near Scott Base in Antarctica. The New Zealand navy's offshore patrol vessel, HMNZS 'Wellington', was dispatched to the area to assist in search operations but regrettably found no signs of the missing yacht, which had been engaged in sea trials at the time. With increasingly severe weather conditions forcing the 'Wellington' to withdraw, attention turned to additional resources, leading to the involvement of the 'Steve Irwin' from Sea Shepherd and the 'Professor Khromov' to continue the search efforts. Initially, the 'Berserk' was crewed by five members, with reports suggesting that two crew members may have been dropped off in Antarctica to pursue an expedition to the South Pole. The rescue teams faced daunting challenges, with waves reaching heights of six to eight meters and winds gusting up to 110 km/h, which made aerial reconnaissance impossible. As the search continues, all hopes are pinned on the enduring resolve of the maritime community in the face of relentless conditions.