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jamieooh
04-19-2012, 10:04 PM
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Royal Marines explore Earth's freezer
19 April 2012 |
Crew from the Royal Navy's ice patrol vessel HMS Protector have been exploring "the frozen continent" as their ship ventured to its mostly southerly position in Antarctica.

Royal Marines serving on the icebreaker had a chance to explore the island of Rothera after making an aviation fuel delivery to a station of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS).

The hub used for scientific surveys is 800 miles from Cape Horn, the southern-most tip of the Americas.

Three of Protector's all-terrain vehicles were craned ashore allowing 24 crew members to take part in a "winter Olympics" with the BAS team.

The Marines then took part in some crevassing supervised by the BAS team and Sergeant Ian Freeman, the ship's mountain leader.

Marine Thomas Lemar said: "Once we were down in the crevasse it was a truly mind-blowing experience.

"It was like being in Superman's secret lair with huge ice crystals shooting out in every direction, reflecting light in deep vibrant blues."

PICTURE: Ministry of Defence