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On a boat floating somewhere in the Southern Ocean, Antarctic researchers from Australia will be swapping the heat for snow this Christmas.
Australia’s icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, left Casey station in Antarctica last week headed for Heard Island. On Christmas Day, its crew of 140 will still be in transit.
Madi Farrant sets up the Christmas tree on board the RSV Nuyina. Credit: Warwick Barnes
But, despite being far from home, they won’t be missing out on any of the traditional festivities: there will be Kris Kringle gifts and a Christmas lunch with an array of desserts, said voyage leader Anthea Fisher.
“There will be no holding back on the feasting,” Fisher said.
“Christmas pudding, pavlovas, trifles … all the traditional desserts will be on offer to compliment what will be a feast fit for King Neptune.”
But Fisher admits some modifications may need to be made to the boat’s seasonal decorations.
“Sea conditions might mean the Christmas tree needs to be held in place to prevent a topple over,” she said.
The boat’s social co-ordinators, Madi Farrant and Frances Perry, are preparing for Christmas Day.Credit: Warwick Barnes
The team is set to arrive at Heard Island in the week after Christmas, where they will spend more than three weeks doing marine science, wildlife monitoring and other scientific and environmental management work.
It will be the second visit to the island by the Australian Antarctic Program this season.
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At Casey station, Australia’s largest Antarctic research station, 80 expeditioners will come together to enjoy a Christmas lunch prepared by the station’s chefs.
For many in the Casey team, which includes scientists, doctors, weather forecasters and tradies, the Christmas celebration marks only the beginning of a 12-month stint down south.
The Christmas season can be a difficult time for the Antarctic researchers, who will celebrate the day far from their family and friends. Fisher said the celebrations onboard would help.
“Improved internet certainly goes a long way to bridge the distance between the Southern Ocean and family and friends at home,” she said.
“The well-organised have pre-purchased gifts for those at home. And the onboard festivities will bring everyone together.”
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