The team on board S.A. Agulhas II have arrived safely at Marion Island. The M83 team arrived earlier this month. They are ready to reactivate the base following an evacuation of the previous team from the island earlier this year.
Team on board S.A. Agulhas II arrive safely at Marion Island
After a short delay due to the late arrival of the helicopters, the S.A. Agulhas II set off from Cape Town on 5 August 2026, after a departure ceremony attended by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, David Maynier. The S.A. Agulhas II arrived at the island on 9 August 2026, to begin the initial inspection of the base.
S.A. Agulhas II
A team of 32 members landed on the island on 10 August 2026 to begin reactivating the base. 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. The team includes 20 personnel from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).
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.”
He added that 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 base will be handed over to the M83 team on 25 August 2026
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, is currently scheduled to take place on 25 August 2026.
Minister Maynier has emphasised the importance of the research being undertaken at Marion Island. He said, “The Southern Ocean has a direct impact on South Africa’s climate, and therefore on our country’s economy and security.” Maynier added that it’s vital that the country retain its position as Africa’s leader in Southern Ocean and Antarctic research. This he says, is done through the careful management of bases on Marion Island and Antarctica.
