Status report - Snow Hill Polar Expedition

23rd November 2009

Update 23 November 2009

The Kapitan Khlebnikov docked in Ushuaia, Argentina on 22nd November.  The passengers are now en-route to the UK and their respective countries after an eventful adventure to Snow Hill Island and the Weddell Sea, Antarctica.

Comments from Simon Calder's Blog:

When is an 'I'm late' excuse acceptable? When you're stuck in an Antarctic ice sheet...

So much travel, so little time – the first “simul-cast” Travel Clinic, available in vision online via the studio webcam as well as in audio, was all very busy. We got the first interview with the people just ashore after an Antarctic adventure on ice, and by all accounts a good time was had by all aboard the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov even though it was caught up in pack ice for nearly a week. You can find out more about the experience at a special polar evening presented by our interviewee, Paul Goldstein, at the Copthorne Tara on 2 December.

Other news agencies covering the events onboard the M/V Kapitan Khlebnikov 17 Nov. 2009
Lonely Planet | Daily Mail | Metro | Guardian (17/11/09) | Guardian (18/11/09) | USA Today

Update 20 November 2009
We are pleased to confirm that at midnight on 19th November (UK time), the Khlebnikov finally broke free from the ice and into open water. She is now steaming north towards Ushuaia in Argentina, and is due to arrive on the morning on Sunday 22nd November, and all passengers will be flying to Buenos Aires that afternoon. Exodus is helping all clients with their onward flight arrangements back to the UK.

Relatives looking for specific information can contact our Customer Operations team on 0845 863 9643.

Status report: Kapitan Khlebnikov – open water now in sight
Vessel: I/B Kapitan Khlebnikov
November 19, 2009, 19.15 GMT

Report received states that following the improved weather conditions that have allowed the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov to break free from the pack ice in the Weddell Sea, open water is now in sight. 

Press Release Update 5, 19th November. 

Previous Reports

Status Details (Update 4)
Vessel: I/B Kapitan Khlebnikov
5.4 Miles SW of Snow Hill Island
 
Exodus Travels today reports that improving weather conditions have allowed the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov to make some progress and the ship is now on the move and returning to port in Ushuaia, Argentina.

The ship is now able to navigate the ice and is expected to be in open waters soon.  Exodus will continue to monitor progress and updates related to the estimated time of arrival in port and disembarkation details will be provided as details become available.

The scheduled return to port (November 16, 2009) was delayed due to weather conditions including heavy pack ice in the Weddell Sea, which restricted the vessel’s ability to manoeuver effectively.

All 101 passengers, 23 staff and 60 crew aboard remain safe and comfortable and continue to enjoy the high quality hospitality, entertainment and educational programming that is offered on all Quark voyages and expeditions.

A highlight of this particular voyage included a special departure to visit the emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island.

Shane Evoy, an Expedition Leader onboard reports 'The Khlebnikov is currently doing what icebreakers do, break ice, it is exhilarating and challenging, but I am delighted to have a ship's company that have embraced this. It is great to have one big happy nautical family on board.' This is a man with fifteen years of experience down there.

To facilitate the changes in schedule, Exodus is proactively working with agents and transportation companies to co-ordinate alternate flight and travel plans for the passengers currently onboard. 

Press Release Update 4, 17th November.

November 17, 2009 (Update 3)
5 Miles SW of Snow Hill Island

Status Details
Vessel: M/V Kapitan Khlebnikov

Exodus Travels advises that the icebreaker Kapitan Khlebnikov (operated by our sister company Quark Expeditions) remains delayed in its return to port at Ushuaia, Argentina.  This delay is due to poor weather conditions last week including heavy pack ice in the Weddell Sea.  All guests aboard ship are safe and comfortable and continue to enjoy the top quality hospitality, entertainment and enriching education programme that Exodus polar expedition guests have come to expect on these journeys.

On Sunday, all passengers visited the Emperor Penguin Rookery at Snow Hill Island, the key destination for this voyage.  In addition, passengers have been enjoying helicopter tours, excursions on the Weddell Sea ice, iceberg tours and daily encounters with seals and Emperor penguins.

Weather conditions yesterday again improved and most Exodus clients have now been able to visit the Emperor Penguin Rookery twice. The ship is now able to navigate the ice and is expected to be in open waters within the next 12 - 20 hours. We expect them to arrive at port in the next two to three days.

Exodus and Quark Expeditions are proactively working to co-ordinate alternative flight and travel plans for both the passengers currently onboard and those due to join the vessel for the next voyage.

Exodus' guide on board, Paul Goldstein, commented 'Yesterday all of our passengers reached the incredible Emperor Penguin rookery at Snow Hill Island, the principle reason for their voyage. The Kapitan Khlebnikov is the only ship in the world able to navigate to this amazing bird colony. I have just enjoyed a fine breakfast with some of the expedition members, still thrilled about their adventures over the past few days. They are safe, a little frustrated that ice and weather conditions have delayed their return but all philosophical about their late arrival into Ushuaia.'

Exodus is attempting to contact relatives of passengers on board. However, for the latest expected arrival date in port, please contact our Customer Operations team on 0845 863 9643

Upon Paul's return he will be presenting his latest images and talking about the experience in his rescheduled presentation in London.
Please reserve your place for the 2nd December: Polar Journey's Evening Presentation

Digital Release. Update 3, 17th November. With links and digital content. 

Press Release Update 3, 17th November. Without the links

Read the Wanderlust Travel News article covering the story

Read the cables Paul has sent from the Kapitan Khlebnikov radio room 17, 18 November 2009