Dundee’s historic connection with Antarctic exploration has been brought up to date with a visit to the port by the British Antarctic Survey’s second vessel.
RRS James Clark Ross sailed from the home of the RRS Discovery to Denmark for annual maintenance. She will then head south to perform scientific research in the Antarctic in what will be the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.
It was her first visit to the Dundee, the home port of the Discovery, from where Robert Falcon Scott’s renowned voyage to the frozen south ended in tragedy 101 years ago.
Scott and his crew sailed under the British National Antarctic Expedition in their ill-fated race to the pole. Their mission was partly scientific and their work set a course for the British Antarctic Survey, which was to follow later.
Mike Gloistein, of Scone, radio operator on the James Clark Ross, said the current crew paid homage to their illustrious predecessors whose valiant effort is celebrated at Discovery Point.
“The other BAS ship, the Ernest Shackleton, has visited Dundee but this was our ship’s first time in Dundee and we were aware of the significance of the port,” he said.
“Much of Dundee’s history relates to Antarctic research and Discovery Point, where the Discovery is berthed, is an excellent place to visit.”
RRS James Clark Ross, which has some of Britain’s most advanced oceanographic research facilities, sailed into Dundee to unload scientific equipment for British universities which chartered her this summer for an Arctic expedition. The port was also chosen for the logistical ease of offering the shortest crossing to Denmark, where she will undergo a month-long refit to prepare her for the Antarctic.
During her voyage south she will visit Port Stanley in the Falklands, her home port.
She will return to the UK in April next year.