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Chaos at Casey station, but morale high
The Australian Antarctic Division at Casey Station has to deal with a completely messed up summer schedule in the aftermath of a rescue mission last month.
The supply ship, icebreaker Aurora Australis, failed to complete any of its scheduled tasks because it was diverted to help rescue the injured chef at Davis station.
This meant that the crew that was supposed to land on Casey station to clear the runway for summer flights could not leave the ship as planned. As a result, 6 flights have been cancelled and a large marine research program has been called off.
Tony Press, Director of the Australian Antarctic Division's said "It means that our scheduled first flight has now been delayed by over a month."
This chaos does not only cost the Division more than $1million, but it also means that 19 winter expeditioners are stranded at Casey, forcing them to spend another Christmas away from home. But morale is good now the weather is improving.
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