Beginning of the Galileo 2018 Campaign

BIO Hespérides left Punta Arenas on 17 February starting the Galileo 2018 Campaign. Initially, a security briefing and briefing was carried out on the 52 investigators and reporters present on board of multiple nationalities who will either be transported to the various scientific bases in Antarctica or conduct their work on board. Included in this group are two Portuguese researchers from the University of Beira Interior bound for the Antarctic Base Argentina "Primavera". On the 18th, the ship began navigation through the Beagle Channel, which separates Chile and Argentina, in the region of Tierra del Fuego, and where the Pacific Ocean joins the Atlantic. During this day, equipment tests and some preparation of the hydrographic work carried out by the ship were carried out. On the 19th, navigation over the Beagle Channel was completed and transit began crossing the Drake Strait towards the South Shetland Islands.