December 30, 2022

The Beagle Channel

While underway, everyone had to go through a Biosecurity check. This was to ensure that no foreign germs, seeds, or other debris would make it on to Antarctica. We had to bring everything we might take with us when leaving the ship so that it could be inspected and vacuumed. This meant hats, gloves, backpacks, camera cases, etc. We didn't need to bring our Expedition Jackets, Snow Pants or Boots because those were provided by Viking. Because of the threat of Bird Flu contaminating across landing sites, every time we returned to the ship, our boots were rinsed with water and then we went through an automatic boot scrubbing station. If anyone knelt down or sat on the ground at a site, they had to have their Snow Pants rinsed and disinfected too.

Beagle Channel

Beagle Channel Conflict

The Beagle Channel is used by ships to get from the South Atlantic Ocean to the South Pacific Ocean without having to go around Cape Horn and sail through the Drake Passage. The Beagle Channel has played a major role in border conflicts between Argentina and Chile. In 1978 the two countries almost went to war over the border.

According to www.encyclopedia.com, “of particular interest was whether the Beagle Channel - and thus the border - ran north of the three key islands of Picton, Lennox, and Nueva (which would make them Chilean), or south of the islands (which would make them Argentine). The issue was not the islands themselves, which are cold and barren, but rather that ownership of them might allow Chile to claim sovereignty or establish an exclusive economic zone 200 miles into the South Atlantic, inhibiting Argentina's ability to project its influence into that region, its key islands (including the Falkland Islands), and Antarctica.

In July 1971 Argentina and Chile agreed to accept Great Britain as arbitrator in an arrangement under which the crown would either accept or reject the recommendation of an expert panel of international jurists. The panel decided in favor of Chilean sovereignty of the three islands, and in May 1977 the British government accepted their recommendation. Argentina rejected the award on narrow technical grounds, and both countries began to prepare for possible conflict. At what seemed to be the last minute before hostilities broke out, the two nations agreed to Vatican mediation in December 1978. This mediation led to the 1984 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which awarded the islands to Chile, but prohibited Chile from claiming sovereignty or establishing an economic zone in the South Atlantic.”

Suite 4034

We were upgraded to a Nordic Junior Suite a couple of weeks before our trip. It was quite nice! Every room had a drying closet for our wet outerwear and a Nordic Balcony, which was a floor to ceiling glass wall right at the edge of the ship. The top half of the window would lower so you could look directly outside without glass in the way. It was perfect for taking pictures from the room or just hanging out watching the whales. The suite had a large lounging area by the window and more room between the end of the bed and the wall so it was easy to maneuver. There were 2 closets, an unbelievable number of shelves and drawers, a king size bed and the bathroom had his and her sinks instead of a single sink.

The view from the couch in Suite 4034.

We were on the port or left side of the ship. This is the side that all of the zodiacs departed from almost directly below our window.

Beagle Channel

The view of Argentina while cruising through the Beagle Channel.