The Xue-Long: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On January 19, 2019, at 10:45 a.m., the renowned icebreaker "Xue Long" encountered an iceberg in the Amundsen Sea, located on the fringes of the Antarctic continent. This incident occurred during the vessel's 35th scientific expedition to this remote region, as it navigated through dense fog at a speed of approximately three knots. The collision resulted in visible damage at the ship's forward mast and sections of its bulwark. Fortunately, other critical systems aboard, including power and telecommunications, remained unaffected. In the wake of the incident, the Ministry of Natural Resources has initiated repair operations and is set to devise new scientific exploration plans. For more details, check out the video coverage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=8Drds_pkx5M.

On the morning of September 23, 2017, a crew from the Coast Guard patrol boat "Alex Haley" executed a successful medical evacuation, or medevac, for a man suffering from a broken arm aboard the Chinese research vessel "Xue Long." The incident occurred approximately 15 nautical miles from Nome, Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard District 17 command center watchstanders received a critical alert through a liaison with the Chinese government, detailing the medical emergency involving a crew member on the "Xue Long" while conducting Arctic Ocean research. In response, watchstanders promptly guided the "Xue Long" to move 15 miles offshore, where the Coast Guard was ready to initiate the medevac operation. The small boat crew efficiently transferred the injured individual onto the "Alex Haley" for further medical attention and transport back to Nome. For more details, including photographs, visit the report at: http://coastguardnews.com/coast-guard-medevacs-man-from-chinese-research-vessel-near-nome/2017/09/24/

On November 7, 2023, China officially initiated its 32nd Antarctic expedition, sending its renowned icebreaker and research vessel, Xue Long (Snow Dragon), from a dock in Shanghai. This ambitious mission involves a dedicated team of 277 researchers who will undertake a comprehensive 159-day round trip, spanning an impressive 30,000 nautical miles (approximately 55,500 kilometers). According to Sun Bo, the deputy chief of the expedition, the primary objective is to carry out a final survey for China’s fifth Antarctic research station, which will be located in Victoria Land on the Ross Sea. The team is tasked with mapping the proposed site and evaluating its ecological and environmental impacts. In addition to this, researchers will conduct vital studies around established stations such as Changcheng, Zhongshan, Taishan, and Kunlun, along with areas including Prydz Bay, the Ross Sea, the Amundsen Sea, and the Antarctic Peninsula, as reported by local news. Furthermore, Xue Long will provide logistical support by facilitating cargo transport from Fremantle, Australia, to Casey Station, strengthening international collaboration in Antarctic research.