Deteriorating Weather Cuts Short Antarctica Visit for Erebus Families

Poor weather closing in on Scott Base has meant the 104 family members taking part in today’s Erebus remembrance activities in Antarctica will be returning to New Zealand slightly earlier than expected.

Family members departed Antarctica on the Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757 around 6pm, approximately two hours earlier than originally planned. The flight is expected to arrive back in Christchurch between 1030 and 11pm this evening.

During their four hours on the ice, the families have been able to hold the planned memorial service for their loved ones led by the Dean of Christchurch the Very Reverend Peter Beck, as well as see Scott Base.