Photos by Chris Brick
Dave Goldie, Dave Reddington, Richard Dorrington and Chris Brick are staying with Tom and Betty Christian. Tom is a direct decendant (Great, Great, Great Grandson), of Fletcher Christian, the original leader of the mutineers. Their house is steeped in history with artifacts on display from all ages.
The team has carried out a series of successful 'Shake-Down' dives in preparation for the expedition diving serials.
Our first sight of Pitcairn Island.
The same sight greeted Fletcher Christian and the Bounty Munitneers some 213 years ealier.
The traditional greeting party of native Pitcairn Islanders.
In the background their tiny harbour, in Bounty Bay which is their only way on and off the island.
MV Bounty Bay arrives safely at Pitcairn Island at 2pm local time.
After taking in the scenario and greeting local residents, preparations are underway to commence the diving and scientific phases of the exercise.
Photo's by islander Dave Brown.
Dickie Dorrington (left) and Joules Cowley (right) checking out the GPS equipment, supplied by the Royal Navy Hydrographic Meteorological and Oceanographic Training Group, on Taravai Island. The equipment will be used to give a precise position which will be assential for accurate survey work.
To the right hand side of the page Dave Goldie reading out well wishers e-mails messages sent to the Bounty Bay Scientific Diving Expedition team, whilst they await the arrival of the MV Bounty Bay on the Island of Taravai in the Gambier chain.
Eager to
get in the water, the team are shown preparing to go snorkelling and pratice
some of the skills that will be required during their scientific expedition
to the Pitcairn Islands.
To the right
a Black Tipped Reef Shark, photographed by Martin Smith, from MWS Collingwood,
the expedition assistant diving officer.
The shark took a unhealthy interest in the snorkellers and had to be discouraged
with a gentle tap on the nose.
Image shows
Mr Robert Irving briefing members of the Bounty Bay Expedition diving
team during their brief pause in the Gambier Islands before moving on
to Pitcairn Island.
Robert Irving and Kate Northen, the team's two Consultant Marine Biologists
provide expert knowledge to enhance the scientific research of the expedition.
The Expedition Team rendezvoused at Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 at 1pm. After check in with Air France and a Group Photo they moved through into the departure to start "the adventure of a lifetime".
Rod Newman received a digital camera from the other members of the expedition by means of a thank you for his outstanding efforts as Leader of the expedition.
Vessel sustained minor damage in Pacific storm.
Team will take out spare parts and conduct refit in Mangareva.
