Icebreaker RSV Nuyina Contacts Seafloor During Antarctic Expedition in the Southern Ocean
The Australian research icebreaker RSV Nuyina, currently operating in the Southern Ocean, made contact with the seafloor near Heard Island while conducting seabed mapping operations.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, just days after the vessel arrived at the remote Australian territory, located approximately 4,100 kilometers (2,550 miles) southwest of Perth, during its first voyage of the Antarctic season.
AAD Confirms No Safety Risk
According to the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), all 99 expedition members and 40 crew on board were safe and uninjured.
“Expeditioners on board Nuyina felt a light vibration through the ship when contact occurred,” the AAD said in a statement.
Following the incident, the vessel moved into deeper waters near Heard Island, where the crew began assessing potential hull and scientific equipment damage. All operational activities have been temporarily suspended pending inspection.
Operator: No Grounding, Vessel Safe to Proceed
Private operator Serco, which manages Nuyina, clarified that the vessel did not run aground or become stuck.
“The ship’s movement and navigation remained unaffected; only a minor vibration was felt on board,” the company said.
Thanks to its Polar Class 3 icebreaking capabilities and modern structural design, initial assessments indicate only superficial damage, and the vessel is safe to continue its mission.
Additional internal inspections are underway, along with consultations with shore-based experts and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
RSV Nuyina: The Backbone of Australia’s Antarctic Program
RSV Nuyina serves as the main lifeline for Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research stations, as well as a central platform for scientific studies in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
In late September, the vessel departed on a 52-day research and resupply mission, with scheduled stops at Casey Station, Heard Island, and Davis Station.
Investigation Underway
The AMSA confirmed it is aware of the incident and is conducting a joint investigation with the Australian Antarctic Division.
Authorities emphasized that their priority remains the safety of the crew and vessel, as well as minimizing any environmental impact in the fragile Southern Ocean ecosystem.
