The SA Agulhas II arrived at Tristan on the 30th September 2026.

2026 SA Agulhas II Voyage

Reports from Cynthia Green

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.