Tristan da Cunha Visit News

The SA Agulhas II 2025 voyage visitors' second week on Tristan

Reports from Kelly Green and Philip Kendall

Each year, the SA Agulhas II makes a scheduled stop at Tristan as part of her supply and research voyage to the South African base on Gough Island. For Tristan, the ship's arrival brings much-needed cargo, visitors, and opportunities for exchange, making it one of the most anticipated events in the island's calendar.

On 21st September, Tristan warmly welcomed the SA Agulhas II. After her arrival, the island was buzzing with activity as visitors enjoyed a wide range of experiences both in the settlement and further afield. We reported the first week of the visit earlier. Here's what else has happened since...

Classic silhouette of Tristan island as the Agulhas II heads off on the Gough Island leg of her voyage.
Photo: Antarctic Legacy of South Africa

Work at Gough Island

Once passengers had been landed, a team of Tristan men travelled with the ship to Gough Island to help ensure strict biosecurity measures were in place for protecting the island's fragile ecosystem from invasive species. They also installed a new AIS (Automatic Identification System) beacon, which acts like a digital lighthouse, helping track ships in the South Atlantic and improving maritime safety for Tristan and passing vessels.

Biosecurity measures: boot washing at Calshot Harbour. Photo: Shannon Swain	Helicopter lowering a container at the Gough Island base. Photo: Nathan Swain

Activities at the Post Office & Tourism Centre

The Post Office & Tourism Centre has been at the heart of the action, with the coffee machine running full-time and a steady flow of both new and familiar faces coming through the doors. Our first Wednesday lunch was a full house, with Tristan's famous Lobster Thermidor proving as popular as ever.

Visitors enjoying Wednesday lunch with Philip & Louise Kendall at the Tourism Centre. Photo: Kelly Green

One of the highlights was our craft day at the Centre, where visitors discussed making model longboats, and learned how Tristan wool is made, from carding and spinning to knitting. They had the chance to try their hand at each stage of the process while also chatting with islanders about local traditions. They also heard how wool has long been part of island life, from shearing the sheep that graze the Base to hand knitting garments that are now sold both locally and online. It's a lovely way of keeping our heritage alive and sharing a piece of Tristan with the wider world.

Odile Cesari talks with Brian Rogers about his model longboats. Photo: Kelly Green

Having a go at carding and spinning. Photos: Kelly Green

Another interesting event held during the visit was a display and introduction to the archive by Nick Schonfeld, who is here to continue work on the island's archive project, which is being supported by the Tristan da Cunha Association. Islanders were fascinated to see some of the old documents, records, and photographs he showcased, giving a glimpse into Tristan's rich history and how this ongoing project will help preserve it for future generations.

Nick Schönfeld displayed items from the Tristan archives and the equipment that is being used to digitise them.
Photo: Julia Gunther

Nightingale Island Trip

A standout moment was the conservation team's successful trip with visitors to Nightingale Island. Blessed with perfect weather, the group experienced this pristine environment up close.

Landing at the West Landing with Inaccessible on the horizon. Photo: Shannon Swain

Visitors walking down one of the 'roads' between the tussock, with Tristan in the background. Photo: Shannon Swain

Nightingale is a jewel of the Tristan archipelago, home to some of the world's rarest and most spectacular wildlife. Visitors witnessed thousands of seabirds in their natural habitat, including yellow-nosed albatross, spectacled petrels, shearwaters, and the ever-entertaining rockhopper penguins. They also had the chance to see fur seals along the shoreline and appreciate the island's unique and fragile plant life, much of which is found nowhere else on Earth.

Nesting Yellow-nosed Albatrosses	Incubating Rockhopper Penguins among the Tussock

Nightingale Buntings. Photos: Odile Cesari

Some visitors hiked to the top of the island, rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the South Atlantic, while others stayed closer to the shore to admire the bird colonies. On the return journey, there was even time to enjoy some fishing, making it an unforgettable day all round.

RIBS returned from Nightingale in the harbour with disembarking passengers. Photo: Philip Kendall

Hike up the Mountain

One of the highlights of the second week was a mountain walk, which was a full day trip. Guides Ryan Swain and Calvin Green took three of the visiting passengers up to the top of Burnt Wood, where they were rewarded with stunning views across to Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands. The weather was kind, and the group had a fantastic time exploring and learning more about Tristan's unique landscape.

Whether going up or coming down, the slope at Burnt Wood is always a challenge.

Once on the Base, the visitors were above the clouds...

...and there was this wonderful view up to St Mary's Peak. Photos: Ryan Swain & Calvin Green

Departure & Thanks

The SA Agulhas II left unexpectedly a day early on the 9th October, which meant that there was a lot of running around at the last minute, but the timing worked well for an emergency medevac situation that had arisen.

The Camogli Health Centre's ambulance pulls up by the Agulhas II helicopter.	People watching helicopter departures. There is a pile of mailbags in the background. Photos: Philip Kendall

Administrator Philip Kendall says that the Agulhas II visit was a great success! The group of visiting experts, family members and visitors all had a fruitful time on island. Philip and his wife Louise hosted a farewell reception at the Residency on the evening of Wednesday 8th, and he had a very useful catch-up about the Tristan da Cunha Association with trustee Hazel Carter. He posted the following Public Notice:

To the entire Tristan community,

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the successful annual visit of the Agulhas II. From manning the radio to offloading cargo, hosting our guests to serving them in the bar, your dedication and teamwork were exceptional.

Whether you worked long days alongside our visitors or proudly showcased the touristic beauty of Tristan, your efforts did not go unnoticed. It was a shining example of what we can achieve together- a whole community effort that reflects the spirit and hospitality of our island.

Philip Kendall Administrator

We will be reporting separately on some of the activities of the visiting officials and specialists, but they didn't have to work all the time, so we finish with a picture of FCDO Infrastructure specialist Rob MacIver at Pigbite.

Visiting specialist Rob MacIver with fur seals at Pigbite. How many can you see? Photo: Philip Kendall

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The SA Agulhas II 2025 voyage visitors' first week on Tristan

Report and Photo from Administrator Philip Kendall

Despite the delayed arrival of the SA Agulhas II and her passengers, we have managed to make up for lost time, with a week of excellent meetings and hospitality.

A proper Tristan party, including the pillow dance, in Prince Philip Hall, following the Administrator's Reception

Louise and I hosted a couple of dinners on the 22nd and 24th September, with more to come next week. On Saturday 27th, we hosted a reception for the whole community in Prince Philip Hall. I began by welcoming the visitors with the following speech and by making a couple of presentations.

Admin's Welcome Speech for the Arrival of the Agulhas II

Good evening everyone,

It is with great pleasure that I once again welcome the arrival of the Agulhas II to Tristan. This marks the third visit during my time here, and each one brings with it a wave of excitement, energy, and opportunity. The fact that we had to wait a little longer than expected for this one makes it extra special!

With over forty people joining us, our population swells by about 20% for almost three weeks; a remarkable transformation that brings a palpable buzz of new life to the island. The atmosphere shifts, conversations multiply, and the island feels more vibrant than ever.

This year, we are especially delighted to be joined by returning islanders, some of whom have been away for quite some time. It's wonderful to have you home.

We also welcome a diverse group of technicians and experts, with specialties ranging from cranes to teeth! Your knowledge and skills are as varied as they are vital. Among our visitors are representatives from the RSPB, the FCDO, the MMO, and the CTBTO; a veritable alphabet soup of expertise, all here to share and collaborate with our community.

I would also like to welcome Father Tom on his first visit to Tristan and to Lorna. Both of you will support our hard working lay preachers, embracing the Tristan motto "Our Faith is our Strength".

Welcome too, to James and Jan from Fortuna, who have travelled from the Falklands to see our beautiful island for themselves and to get to know you all. Please take the time to welcome them.

All these visits are essential to the island's development and resilience. But they are only successful because of the spirit of partnership they embody. Our enthusiastic islanders, always keen to learn and grow, work shoulder to shoulder with these experts, ensuring that knowledge is not just transferred, but truly absorbed and applied.

I want to take a moment to express heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in offloading and to the medical and dental teams. Their dedication, organisation, and tireless work often working long hours, are nothing short of extraordinary. This visit, within this tight timeframe, simply would not be possible without you all. Thank you.

And now, a special moment.

The Agulhas II has brought back one of Tristan's young superstars, whose beaming smile now graces the front cover of our latest Newsletter. I'm talking, of course, about our very own Owen Glass. Owen, your return has brought joy to many, and your achievements inspire us all.

I'd like to read to you, a letter from the Governor.

"I am delighted that you will be the first ever recipient of the Governor's Office Coin for St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha. As the youngest person to deliver a speech in the UK House of Commons, so brilliantly representing Tristan, you are very deserving.

When you receive your coin from the Administrator, I hope you will know that all of us across St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha are celebrating your success, thanking you for your efforts on behalf of the islands and wishing you all the best for your future... perhaps as a political leader back on Tristan...

Congratulations! And thank you."

Well done Owen!

Of course, visits like Owen's to the UK don't happen by magic. They require meticulous planning, coordination, and a great deal of dedication. That's where our UK Representative, Chris Carnegy, comes in. Chris, we're delighted to have you with us this evening with Roger. On behalf of the entire community, I've been asked to present you with this small gift - a gesture of our heartfelt thanks for all that you do. Thank you, Chris!

To all who have arrived on the Agulhas II: welcome. Your presence enriches our island, and we look forward to the work, the learning, and the friendships that will grow in the days ahead.

Thank you all and enjoy the evening and the wonderful spread laid on by the Seven Seas girls.

——————— The Governor's letter to Owen quoted above was sent in March 2025, but as Owen only returned on the Agulhas II, this was the first opportunity to present it to him. For more information about Owen's visit to the UK, see our previous video and report on Owen's speech in the House of Commons For the same reason, it was not until the meeting held on Monday 29th September that Owen's father Simon Glass could be sworn into the Island Council. He had been elected while the family was away in the March 2025 general election.

Left: Owen's father, Simon Glass being sworn in at the Island Council Meeting.

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