SA Agulhas set for final return

LAST VOYAGE: Crew members of the SA Agulhas bid their loved ones goodbye as the ship leaves on her last voyage from the Cape Town harbour yesterday. South Africa's polar research ship has been in service for almost 30 years Picture: SHELLEY CHRISTIANS

The SA Agulhas will dock in Cape Town on Saturday at the end of its final polar expedition, the environmental affairs department said on Friday.

"South Africa's polar research and supply ship, Agulhas, is returning from its final polar voyage to Antarctica," environmental affairs spokesman Zolile Nqayi said in a statement.

It will be replaced by a new and modern polar vessel in May this year.

"The members of the over-wintering team will all be present as the ship arrives back at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town."

The ship left for Antarctica in December last year. It had made a total of 39 trips to Antarctica since 1978.

"The Agulhas has had a good stretch; it is 32 years old," Nqayi said.

- Times Live