Tristan da Cunha Shipping News

2024 Agulhas Visit Report

Report from Head of Tourism Kelly Green
Photos from Kelly Green, Philip Kendall, Julia Gunther, Shannon Swain, and Shaun Kendall

SA Agulhas II arriving on 10th September as seen from Calshot Harbour

Helicopter about to land on the American Fence 'helipad' on 10th September.

The SA Agulhas II departed shortly after the last helicopter flight at 17.00 on Tuesday 1st October 2024. With her sailing into the sunset (the other way actually) she left behind fond memories and a sense of fulfilment after a wonderful three-week visit to Tristan da Cunha. Hosting friends, family, expats and visitors was a true pleasure, reminding us of the close bonds and connections that keep our island’s spirit alive.

View from the Agulhas helicopter above Hillpiece looking towards the Tristan Settlement with the ship anchored offshore.

The weeks were filled with lively gatherings, parties, and receptions, making it one of the busiest and most exciting periods we’ve experienced in some time. Welcoming everyone into our community allowed us to showcase the best of Tristan hospitality, with each day bringing new reasons to come together.

Reception held on 14th September: See report on -  Agulhas Reception 

The social calendar was packed with memorable events, such as the much-loved Wednesday lunches at Café da Cunha, where delicious food and lively conversation were enjoyed by all. On the finale lunch after pizza and cake was indulged, a fun game of pin the beak on benny was played. Tristan House manger Vourn Brophy won and took home her very own Benny the penguin!!

Administrator Philip Kendall at the head of a lunch table of Agulhas visitors
and others in the Café da Cunha.

Competitors ready for the start of the 2024 Tristan Open Golf Tournament -
see report on - 2024 Open Golf 

A friendly golf tournament brought out the competitive spirit! Not to mention being able to become a member of the world's remotest golf courses and get a certificate to proof it! See: 2024 Tristan Open Golf Report

Philip and Louise Kendall with Philip's brother Shaun (one of the Agulhas visitors)
outside the Thatched House Museum.

For history enthusiasts, the Thatched House Museum offered a fascinating look into Tristan’s past, providing an enriching cultural experience. And of course, there was no shortage of outdoor activities, with our many hikes allowing visitors to take in the rugged beauty of the island’s landscapes.

Visitors travelled to Nightingale on the RIB Atlantic Dawn and came ashore at the West Landing.

On the rocks above West Landing.

Among the many highlights of the visit, the day trip to Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands stood out as an unforgettable experience.

Organised by the Conservation Department and assisted by Tourism, this trip offered our guests a rare opportunity to explore two of the world’s most untouched and beautiful islands.

The first stop was Nightingale Island, renowned for its abundant wildlife and striking landscapes. The island, with its large colonies of seabirds, captivated our visitors. From the Tristan thrush darting among the vegetation to the majestic Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross soaring overhead, the island is a haven for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Along the island’s rocky shores, fur seals could be seen basking in the sun. Lots of Rockhopper penguins were spotted sitting on their nest. For the adventurous, the island’s waters provided glimpses of the rich marine life that thrives in the South Atlantic. The beauty and diversity of the wildlife left an indelible impression on the visitors.

Going ashore on Inaccessible Island.

After exploring Nightingale, some of the group headed to Inaccessible Island, an even more remote and mysterious destination. The island’s dramatic cliffs and rugged terrain were a sight to behold as visitors approached by boat. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Inaccessible Island is famed for its unspoiled beauty, with its landscapes remaining virtually unchanged for centuries.

This incredible trip was more than just an adventure—it was a unique chance to witness the natural wonders that surround Tristan da Cunha and to gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s conservation efforts. Our visitors left with a newfound respect for the ecosystems of Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands and the importance of preserving these remote environments for generations to come.

Passengers bound for the return trip on SA Agulhas II are briefed about safety aboard the helicopter
outside St Mary's School above the American Fence heliport.

View from American Fence of the last helicopter approaching SA Agulhas II
with the diminutive MFV Lance to the left.

As the SA Agulhas II sails away, the memories of this extraordinary day will remain with our visitors and the Tristan community alike. The trip to Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands was a highlight of the visit, offering an unforgettable experience of exploration, discovery, and the breathtaking beauty of these isolated jewels of the South Atlantic.

A last look back at Tristan da Cunha at dusk after departure on 1st October.

MFV Lance's September-October 2024 Voyage

Reports from Cynthia Green Departure from Tristan The following passengers boarded the MFV Lance just after 6:00pm on Sunday 6th October 2024, and she sailed for Cape Town later in the evening: Islanders: Paul, Geraldine & Katie Repetto, Clifton Repetto, Maria & Kailey Swain, and Julia & Kaityn Hagan. Non-islanders: Christine Van Veggelen (Nurse), and Nick Schonfeld & Julia Gunther (Visitors). Arrival at Tristan The MFV Lance arrived at Tristan on the afternoon of the 26th September, but sea conditions were not suitable for disembarking passengers. Passengers came ashore at 9:00am on Friday 27th September 2024 and offloading commenced.
	Above: MFV Lance off-loading at Tristan in June 2024
Passengers were: Islander: Deborah Swain; Non-islanders; Dr. Tinashe Felix Muvezwa & Mrs. Tariro Machayasimbi (Medical Officer & wife); Dr. Jorge Curry (Medical Officer); and Ms. Natalie Stoppard, Luke Purkis & Anne Rose (New Head of Agriculture plus husband & daughter). Departure from Cape Town The MFV Lance departed Cape Town at about 2.30pm on Wednesday 18th September 2024.

2024 SA Agulhas II Voyage

Reports from Cynthia Green

Departure from Tristan

Passengers were flown to the SA Agulhas II during the afternoon of Monday 1st October 2024 and all were safely on board just after 5:00pm. She departed for Cape Town shortly afterwards. It was so sad to say goodbye to family and friends.

People bid farewell to family and friends as the helicopter ferries them to the SA Agulhas II offshore. Photo: Philip Kendall

Departing passengers were:

Resident Islanders & Relatives:

Duncan & Jackie Lavarello, Janine Lavarello, Barbara Glass, Renee Green & Dylan Green, Albert & Marion Green, Sandra Rogers & Deanna Rogers, Darren Repetto, Avril Tinoco-Repetto, Alison Swain, Rachel Mawer, Karen Lavarello-Schreier with Chiara & Alessia Schreier.

Officials & Specialists:

Rev. Margaret & Nicolaas Van den Berg (Anglican Priest & husband), Dr. Alex & Sally Wonner (Medical Officer & wife), Paul Mapasure & Fadzai Mukamba (Chief Financial Officer & wife), Robert Pickering (Dentist), Dr. Silvio Morales Perez (Medical Officer), Virginia Golding (Nurse), Richard Lockwood (Teacher), Paul Ferreira (Harbour Contractor), Marius van Veggelen (Nursing Officer's husband), Mathieu Raharinaivo (CTBTO Manager), Alexander Mclean (Dental Technician), Ian McClymont (Regional Technical Lead, FCDO), Prof. Ian Cumming (UK Ambassador for Healthcare to the Overseas Territories), Fr. David Musgrave (Catholic Padre), Mikael Olofsson (CTBTO), Simon Butters (Vodafone), Claude Bower (Crane Engineer), Prof. Peter Ryan & Coleen Moloney (Inaccessible Conservation Team)

Visitors:

Shaun Kendall, Vourn Brophy, Sean Brophy

Arrival at Tristan

The SA Agulhas II arrived on Tristan da Cunha in the morning on Tuesday 10th September 2024, when passengers were landed by helicopter and offloading commenced.

SA Agulhas II in Cape Town harbour on the 5th September 2024. Photo: Luke Byron

Passengers were:

Resident Islanders & Relatives:

Trevor Glass, Tristan Glass, Kieran Glass, Shannon Swain, Ryan Swain, James & Felicity Glass, Vera Glass, Stephanie Glass, Leon Bredell, Steve & Sasha Swain with Sophie & Jake Swain, Andrea & Lorraine Repetto, Christopher & Rosalie Moncaster, Avril Tinoco-Repetto, Rachel Mawer, Karen Lavarello-Schreier with Chiara & Alessia Schreier.

Officials & Specialists:

Odile Cesari (New CTBTO Manager), Alexander Mclean (Dental Technician), Ian McClymont (Regional Technical Lead, FCDO), Prof. Ian Cumming (UK Ambassador for Healthcare to the Overseas Territories), Fr. David Musgrave (Catholic Padre), Mr. Mikael Olofsson (CTBTO), Prof. Peter Ryan & Coleen Moloney (Inaccessible Conservation Team), Simon Butters (Vodafone), and Claude Bower (Crane Engineer).

Visitors:

Lance Collister, Shaun Kendall, Vourn Brophy, Sean Brophy.

Departure from Cape Town

The SA Agulhas II departed Cape Town in the early hours of Friday 6th September 2024 just after midnight local time.

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