2026 SA Agulhas II Voyage
Reports from Cynthia Green
Arrival at Cape Town
The SA Agulhas II arrived back at Cape Town on Friday 23rd October 2026. At that time, the cruise ship SH Diana was in the harbour preparing to depart on a cruise to Ushuaia via Tristan da Cunha other South Atlantic islands.
The cruise ship SH Diana viewed from SA Agulhas II in Cape Town harbour with the Lion's Head and Signal Hill in the background. Photo: Philip Kendall
Departure from Tristan
The SA Agulhas II arrived from Gough Island at 1:00pm on Sunday 18th October 2026 and passengers starting flying to the ship about 3:00pm. The ship sailed for Cape Town at 5:45pm.
Agulhas II passengers being briefed on American Fence before their helicopter shuttle flights to the ship. Photo: Philip Kendall
Passengers are:
Resident islanders: Jill & Ramon Repetto, Barbara Glass, Vera & Stephanie Glass, James & Felicity Glass, and Conrad & Sharon Glass
Islanders Resident Overseas & Relatives: Robin, Dawn, Jade & Amber Repetto, Chiara Schreier, Paula Swain & Tracy Tough, Melanie & Kayleigh Young, Caitlin Mackenzie & partner Ryan Anderson, and Marita Gerber.
Agulhas II passengers gather for a last drink in the Albatross Bar on Saturday evening. Photo: Philip Kendall
Non-Islanders: Philip & Louise Kendall (Outgoing Administrator), Fr. Dominic Helmboldt (Catholic Padre), Prof. Ian Cumming (UK Ambassador for Healthcare to the Overseas Territories), Dr. Matthew Dryden (Infection Consultant UKHSA), Dr. Anche Oosthuizen (Optometrist), Gillian Rees (Dentist), Alexander Mclean (Dental Technician), Dr. Peter Smith & Dr. Rene Nassen (Visiting Psychiatrists), Sean Kryney (Crane Engineer), Dainah Smith (Asbestos Consultant), Sally Wonner (Doctor's wife), Dr. Silvio Morales Perez (Doctor), Barry Thacker (Policeman), Craig Robertson (Chief Operating Officer), and Fadzai Makamba (Teacher).
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| Empty crates ready for backloading and passengers' luggage ready to be taken to the ship. Photos: Philip Kendall | |
Arrival at Tristan
A stunning view of the snow-capped peak greeted the SA Agulhas II as she approached Tristan. Photo: Paula Swain
The SA Agulhas II arrived at Tristan at 09:00hrs on the morning of Wednesday 30th September 2026 and passengers were flown ashore just after 10am. Offloading commenced about 12.00hrs and stopped at 18.00hrs.
Passengers were:
Resident Islanders: Trevor Glass, Paul, Geraldine & Katie Repetto, and Neil Swain.
Islanders Resident Overseas & Relatives: Robin, Dawn, Jade & Amber Repetto, Chiara Schreier, Paula Swain & Tracy Tough, Melanie & Kayleigh Young, Caitlin Mackenzie & partner Ryan Anderson, and Marita Gerber.
Non-Islanders: Andrew Wells (Administrator Designate), Richard Lockwood (Teacher), Dr. Acela Lopez (Doctor), Dr. Anche Oosthuizen (Optometrist), Gillian Rees (Dentist), Alexander Mclean (Dental Technician), Tracey Price (Social Worker), Dr. Peter Smith & Dr. Rene Nassen (Visiting Psychiatrists), Prof. Ian Cumming (UK Ambassador for Healthcare to the Overseas Territories), Dr. Matthew Dryden (Infection Consultant, UKHSA), Odile Cesari (CTBTO), Benjamin Duportal (New CTBTO Manager), Tinus Beukes (Fortuna Factory Manager), Richard Abbott (Fortuna Factory Mechanic), Richard & Martina Noble (Electrical Team), Sean Kryney (Crane Engineer), Dainah Smith (Asbestos Consultant), Fr. Dominic Helmboldt (Catholic Padre), and Bertrand Camus (Visitor).
The ship's helicopter arrived during a heavy hail storm on its first ferry flight to the American Fence. Fortunately, the weather brightened up for the remaining flights. Photo: Philip Kendall
SA Agulhas II of the harbour with a welcoming flock of Kingbirds. Photo: Sally Wonner
The Repetto family - Jade, Robin, Amber & Dawn - and sisters Tracy Tough & Paula Swain eagerly wait for the helicopter to ferry them ashore. Photo: Paula Swain
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| A batch of passengers arrive on shore. Photos: Sally Wonner |
The helicopter lifting of to return the the ship. Photos: Philip Kendall |
Administrator Philip Kendall greeting passengers as they emerge from the helicopter. Photo: Sally Wonner
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| The ship's helicopter lifting cargo from the deck and landing it on shore. Photos: Ian Laverello & Philip Kendall | |
Departure from Cape Town
The SA Agulhas II departed Cape Town shortly after midday on Friday 25th September 2026.
SA Agulhas II in Cape Town Harbour on the 14th September 2026. Photo: Paula Swain.
A typical passenger cabin on the SA Agulhas II. Photo: Paula Swain.
MFV Edinburgh's August-October 2026 Voyage
Reports from Cynthia Green
Departure from Tristan
Passengers boarded the MFV Edinburgh at 2:30pm on Tuesday 20th October 2026, but she only left Tristan at 12:15pm on Wednesday 21st as she had to stay to pump fuel.
Passengers are: Islanders: Ian Lavarello, Eric & Martha Glass; Visitor: Bertrand Camus.
Arrival at Tristan
The MFV Edinburgh arrived from Cape Town at 6:00pm on Wednesday 26th August 2026 and went to shelter in the lee of Inaccessible. Conditions improved on Friday 28th August and passengers came ashore at about 9:30am. Offloading then commenced and was completed just after 6:30pm.
Passengers were: Islanders: Beverly Repetto, Grant Green & Carlene Glass-Green, Leo Glass, Rachel Green & Liam Glass, Linda Green, Simon & Natasha Glass, and James Glass; Non-islander: Andrew Turley (Internet Engineer)
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| The tug Enseleni preparing to guide the Edinburgh out. Photo: Carlene Glass-Green |
The MFV Edinburgh leaving Cape Town harbour. Photo Tokkie Marais |
Departure from Cape Town
The MFV Edinburgh departed Cape Town at 3:30pm CT time on the 19th August 2026.
2026 Welcome Party for the SA Agulhas II |
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| A reception to welcome SA Agulhas II visitors was held on the 3rd October 2026. 7-Oct-2026 |
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MFV Lance's September 2026 Voyage |
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| The MFV Lance departed Tristan on the 25th September 2026. 28-Sep-2026 |
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Page Updated: Tristan da Cunha Shipping Schedules |
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| Schedules and fares for the few ships that regularly travel between Cape Town and Tristan da Cunha. 16-Sep-2026 |
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Page Updated: Tristan da Cunha Cruise Ships |
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| Details of cruise ships that regularly or occasionally visit Tristan da Cunha. 16-Jul-2026 |
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Tristan sea safety prominent at Red Ensign Conference |
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| Safety information and resources shared across the ocean at the 2026 conference in Bermuda. 5-Jul-2026 |
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MFV Edinburgh's June-July 2026 Voyage |
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| The MFV Edinburgh departed Tristan on the 3rd July 2026. 3-Jul-2026 |
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HMS Medway Departs after Successfully Exchanging Personnel |
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| Conditions improved enough on the 24th May 2026 for HMS Medway to embark returning paratroopers and disembark relief medics. 24-May-2026 |
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