HBOI | Press Relations | HARBOR BRANCH RESEARCH VESSEL RETURNS HOME AFTER LONGEST VOYAGE EVER

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HARBOR BRANCH RESEARCH VESSEL RETURNS HOME AFTER LONGEST VOYAGE EVER

FORT PIERCE, Fla., July 5, 2003 - The Seward Johnson II will return home to HARBOR BRANCH on Saturday July 5th after its longest deployment ever. The ship and crew spent nearly six months working in the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic and traveled a total of about 23,000 sea miles, almost as far as a trip around the world.

The expedition supported research as broad as the ocean is deep, focusing on everything from geologic formations and water quality in the Adriatic Sea to ocean currents off the west coast of Africa. HARBOR BRANCH submersibles were not used during the voyage, which instead involved various sampling devices and other equipment lowered from the ship.

The cruise supported dozens of scientists from a variety of universities, but none from HARBOR BRANCH. Like most large vessels operated by research institutions in the U.S., HARBOR BRANCH ships are part of the University-National Oceanic Laboratory System (UNOLS), which means they are available for use by scientists from any institution.

"The crew did a fantastic job keeping up with a fast-paced operation. The ship did not lose any operating days during the entire six month voyage," says Captain George Gunther. During the trans-oceanic mission, Gunther says the crew had to deal with heightened security such as lengthier customs procedures, brought on by the Iraq war, as well as inclement weather.

Harsh winds and high seas up to 20 feet prolonged the 168-foot Seward Johnson II's eastward Atlantic crossing by about a week. This extended the total travel time from Ft. Pierce to the first destination of Ravenna, Italy, to four weeks. During the first part of the mission the crew had to endure fog, sleet and snow while working through the winter in the Adriatic Sea. Later, the ship left the Mediterranean to work near the Canary Islands and then passed through the Strait of Gibraltar once again for more Mediterranean research.

During their limited time off, some crew members were able to enjoy the ports of Nice, France and Monaco. "The Riviera is everything it's cracked up to be, absolutely stunningly gorgeous," says Chief Officer Michael Schoeller. Others explored Egypt, Greece, Turkey and various other parts of Italy and France. Aboard the ship, crew and researchers spent off-time exercising, playing darts, fishing, watching movies, and celebrating birthdays.

A lot happened during the 172 days from January to July while the Seward Johnson II was journeying the seas. While away, the Iraq war dominated the news along with the Columbia space shuttle disaster, the SARS outbreak and, of course, some lighter stories like the release of Harry Potter V. The crew and researchers managed to keep up with such world events through BBC radio and email.

Now they are eager to come home, said Schoeller by email from somewhere out in the Atlantic. "There is an epidemic of 'channel fever' on board right now," he said, referring to the crew's anxiousness to finish crossing the Atlantic "channel" so that they can finally see friends and family.

The Seward Johnson II is scheduled to arrive back at Harbor Branch on July 5th at 2:00 p.m. after a more than 20-day return trek. Journalists who make arrangements in advance are welcome to come to HARBOR BRANCH for the ship's arrival.

To attend, please contact Jan Petri at 772-465-2400 ext. 241. For additional information or photos of the ship, please contact Mark Schrope at 772-216-0390.

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HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution, Inc., is one of the world's leading nonprofit oceanographic research organizations dedicated to exploration of the earth's oceans, estuaries and coastal regions for the benefit of humankind.