The SA Agulhas II arrived back in Cape Town on the 23rd October 2026.

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.

SH Diana viewed from SA Agulhas II in Cape Town harbour.

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.

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.

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).

Empty crates ready for backloading to the SA Agulhas II Passengers' luggage ready for the helicopter to be taken to the SA Agulhas II.
Empty crates ready for backloading and passengers' luggage ready to be taken to the ship. Photos: Philip Kendall

Arrival at Tristan

The stunning view of the snowcapped peak as the SA Agulhas II approached 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.

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.

SA Agulhas II of the harbour with a welcoming flock of Kingbirds. Photo: Sally Wonner

The Repetto family and the Sisters on Tour.

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

A batch of passengers arrive on shore. The helicopter lifting of to return the the ship.
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.

Administrator Philip Kendall greeting passengers as they emerge from the helicopter. Photo: Sally Wonner

Helicopter preparing to lift cargo from the deck of the ship. Helicopter landing cargo on shore.
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.

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.

A typical passenger cabin on the SA Agulhas II. Photo: Paula Swain.