RSV 421 Heads for Dardanelles on Fifth Antarctic Voyage

Bulgaria’s naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) is continuing its fifth voyage to Antarctica, with the ship set to head from the Bosphorus towards the Dardanelles on Friday.

The vessel departed Varna on 4 November as part of the 35th Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition, following a military ceremony at Varna Marine Station. It passed through the Bosphorus on Thursday, a few hours later than originally planned but still on schedule, according to commanding officer Commander Radko Muevski.

While en route, RSV 421 is expected to take part in this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya. The ship is ultimately bound for Livingston Island to support Bulgaria’s polar research at the St Kliment Ohridski Bulgarian Antarctic Base.

The Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna described the mission as important for expanding Bulgaria’s polar presence, enabling scientific research and strengthening the country’s role in international Antarctic cooperation.

On the first day at sea, a safety briefing for cadets aboard the ship focused on the use of individual and collective lifesaving equipment. Senior Lieutenant Evgeni Michev and Lieutenant Commander Ivaylo Mitishev led the session, showing how to use life jackets and immersion suits in an emergency.

Cadets were told that life jackets are available in every cabin and should be put on before going to the ship’s designated evacuation points. The immersion suits are waterproof, thermally insulated and fitted with emergency signalling lights, helping to keep body temperature stable even during long exposure to cold water.

Lieutenant Commander Mitishev advised the cadets to stay calm in an emergency. He told them it is important to first put on a life jacket and then the immersion suit, rather than rushing or panicking.