HMS Protector fights ice station blaze 28.02.12
12Sailors from the Royal Navy's ice patrol ship HMS Protector have helped tackle a fire that has killed two Brazilians at a research station in Antarctica.
The vessel sent 23 sailors with fire-fighting equipment to the Ferraz research station after the base caught fire on King George Island on the South Sandwich Islands.
When they arrived the survivors -- mainly Brazilian military and scientific personnel -had been evacuated and were trying to bring the raging fire under control.
Protector's crew used the ship's small boats to land vehicles and equipment.
The work boat Terra Nova landed a quad bike and trailer so portable pumping and fire fighting equipment could be moved around the base.
Operations ashore at the remote site were co-ordinated by Protector's executive officer, Commander Don Mackinnon, working with Chilean and Brazilian Naval personnel.
Capt Peter Sparkes, the commanding officer of HMS Protector, said: "This was a tragic incident, which resulted in the death of two people and the injury of many more; our thoughts and prayers are with the Brazilian Navy's Antarctic Service and their families.
"I am pleased that Protector afforded valuable and timely support during this incident.
"This is what the Royal Navy is trained to do, and do well."
Since starting duties in Antarctica HMS Protector has visited several research stations in the region.
Ferraz base can support 65 personnel during the southern hemisphere summer months, most of them scientists conducting geological, bio-diversity and meteorological research.
During the southern winter the base shrinks to just 15 permanent Brazilian Navy staff.
The mainly Brazilian scientists are supported by a small number of Argentinean and Chilean, academics who conduct research into the impact of human activity in the Antarctic through research into the local bird, fish and algae populations.
The station is supported by two Brazilian Navy Antarctic patrol ships.