SA Agulhas II arrives safely at Marion Island

The SA Agulhas II has arrived safely at Marion Island, where a new team of researchers and support personnel is working to reactivate the island’s research base following the evacuation of the previous team earlier this year.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment David Maynier said significant progress had already been made in restoring the base to operational status through close coordination between the various stakeholders.

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“While there is still much work to be done, the efficient redeployment of the Marion Island team bodes well for the future of our research programme in the region,” Maynier said in a statement on Thursday.

The 32-member team departed Cape Town on 5 August 2026 and reached Marion Island on 9 August, when an initial inspection of the base began.

Among the team are 20 officials from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), who landed on the island on 10 August to begin the work required to reactivate the facility.

Cargo and repairs underway

The operation includes transporting equipment needed for repairs and the reactivation of the base, as well as essential supplies to restock the facility.

Cargo is being transferred from the SA Agulhas II to the island by helicopter.

The offloading operation is expected to continue over the coming week, with the formal takeover of the base by the M83 team currently scheduled for 25 August 2026, provided there are no delays.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said the coordinated operation was aimed at restoring the base and enabling the research programme to resume.

Importance of Marion Island research

Maynier highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining South Africa’s presence at Marion Island and in the wider Southern Ocean.

He said research conducted in the region provides important information for understanding factors that directly affect South Africa’s climate, economy and security.

“We must retain our position as Africa’s leader in Southern Ocean and Antarctic research, through careful management of our bases on Marion Island and Antarctica,” Maynier said.

The latest deployment represents an important step towards restoring the island’s research operations after the disruption earlier this year.