The Department of Environmental Affairs’ SA Agulhas II will be embarking on her second logistical /scientific voyage to Marion Island on Wednesday 2 April 2014. The voyage will be under the watchful eye of Captain Gavin Syndercombe.
Aboard the ship will be a host of researchers and participants from Department of Environmental Affairs, Department of Public Works, Starilte Aviation, the South African Weather Service and various tertiary institutions. The Marion 71 expedition team will be the third of its kind to inhabit the new base since its commission in March 2011 and will occupy it for a period of 14 months.
Marion is a volcanic island that forms part of the South African territory and was proclaimed a Special Nature Reserve Status in 1995. The department has invested considerably in the construction of the new base to sustain great research outputs.
Members of the media are invited to cover the farewell ceremony, and will have an opportunity for photos and interviews.
Details of the farewell ceremony are as follows:
Date: Wednesday 2 April 2014
Time: 11h30
Sailing time: 14h00
Venue: East Pier Quay, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
To RSVP, contact:
Tshego Letshwiti
Tel: 021 405 9439
Cell: 076 307 9634
E-mail: TLetshwiti@environment.gov.za
For media enquiries, contact:
Ernest Mulibana
Cell: 082 263 7372
