SOUTH AFRICA=1969=M.V. R.S.A. SHIP=DEPT TRANSPORT=WEATHER OFFICE=GOUGH ISLAND=CAPE TOWN PAQUEBOT=RSA

SOUTH AFRICA = EXPEDITION COVER = 25 SEPTEMBER 1969

CAPE TOWN = KAAPSTAD = PAQUEBOT

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT = WEATHER OFFICE = GOUGH ISLAND = 40 SOUTH 10 WEST SOUTH

ATLANTIC (CACHET)

M.V. "R.S.A." M.S.

SHIP = ANTARCTIC.

Condition: Condition good.

The 1573-tonne R.S.A. was ’s first Antarctic supply vessel. Built in Osaka, Japan, launched in September 1961 and arrived in Cape Town on her maiden voyage by year-end. The R.S.A. took down the third team in early January 1962. On her voyage south she also carried a Public Works team and materials to construct ’s first Antarctic station, known as SANAE I. In 1971 she supported the building of SANAE II, as the first station was becoming uninhabitable with snow built up above it, burying it ever deeper. She was able to carry a light helicopter such as a Westland Wasp or an Alouette III.

In the next 16 years the R.S.A. (nick-named by some “Rolling Slowly Along”) made visits every year to ’s meteorological stations on Gough and Marion and in Antarctica to relieve teams or on special voyages for medical or other emergencies.

Once her Antarctic career was over the ship joined the n Navy, known only by her pennant number A331 (pronounced “Azzi”) without any Navy name. She ended her life partially demolished for scrap .