The 2025/26 Marion Island overwintering team has returned to South Africa following an emergency evacuation ordered by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, after critical fuel shortages threatened operations at the remote research base.

The team of meteorologists, engineers, medical professionals and communications specialists was brought home aboard the relief vessel, the SA Agulhas II, which sailed on “Ice Mode” – maximum speed – to reach the sub-Antarctic island as quickly as possible.

The evacuation became necessary when delays in the departure of the relief voyage resulted from the unavailability of crucial fuel products used to produce polar diesel. This specialised fuel is essential for keeping the base operational in extremely low temperatures that would cause normal diesel to crystallise.

“While the temporary closure of the base is unfortunate following the emergency evacuation, my team and I felt it was important to prioritise the safety and well-being of our people. That is why I ordered the evacuation and it was worth it,” Aucamp said on Wednesday.

The department is now working to restart operations at the base within two to three weeks, depending on safe weather conditions that allow helicopter operations. The timeline also depends on the successful completion of system restarts, repairs and restocking of food and fuel supplies.

To prevent similar situations, the department has secured an 18-month supply of polar diesel for the base. The minister also announced plans to procure a large fuel depot facility where polar fuel could be stored for South Africa’s use and potentially for other countries operating polar bases.

“We will work to restart the systems at the base, undertake repairs, restock the food and fuel supplies, while also initiating various interventions to mitigate against future risks during all voyages to the three South African remote scientific bases,” Aucamp said.

The minister thanked the overwintering team and their families for their patience and support during the past weeks, reaffirming South Africa’s commitment to its Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research programme.

“South Africa remains committed to its Antarctic and sub-Antarctic research programme, which contributes significantly to climate science, biodiversity conservation, oceanographic research and global environmental monitoring,” he said.

Marion Island, located in the southern Indian Ocean, serves as a crucial platform for South African scientific research in one of the world’s most isolated environments. The island’s research station plays a vital role in monitoring climate patterns, studying unique ecosystems and contributing to international polar research efforts.

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