Cape Town – The M83 team on board the S.A. Agulhas II has arrived safely at Marion Island, ready to reactivate the base following an evacuation of the previous team from the island earlier this year.
Following a short delay due to the late arrival of helicopters, the S.A. Agulhas II set off from Cape Town on 5 August 2026.
The departure ceremony was attended by Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier.
The S.A. Agulhas II arrived at the island on 9 August 2026 to begin the initial inspection of the base.
A team of 32 members, including 20 personnel from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), landed on the island to begin the process of reactivating the base on 10 August 2026.
This includes transferring equipment for undertaking the reactivation and repairs, as well as cargo for restocking the base, by helicopter from the vessel to the island.
Minister Maynier highlighted the technical nature of the reactivation, saying: “The team on Marion Island has made great progress in getting the base up and running again, through careful coordination and cooperation from all stakeholders.
“While there is still much work to be done, the efficient redeployment of the Marion Island team bodes well for the future of our research programme in the region.”
The process of offloading cargo will continue over the coming week.
Barring any delays, the takeover function, whereby the base will be handed over to the M83 team, has been scheduled to take place on 25 August 2026.
Minister Maynier emphasised the importance of the research being undertaken at Marion Island: “The Southern Ocean has a direct impact on South Africa’s climate, and therefore on our country’s economy and security.
“It is vital that we retain our position as Africa’s leader in Southern Ocean and Antarctic research, through careful management of our bases on Marion Island and Antarctica.”
