25 Aug 2017
SHO: Humpback Whales and Harp Seals Feeding
We continue our journey to the Port of Murmansk where this East bound Northern Sea Route expedition finishes on the 27th August. We have filled these last days in with lectures, documentaries and presentations, as well as log writing, photo exchange and editing.
Yesterday as we sailed south from Franz Joseph Land we crossed the Ushakov Bank, an area of shallower water (about 60 metres). As we approached the bank there was a marked increase in whale and sea activity. These animals were obviously feeding in an area of upwelling along the northern edge of the Bank. We encountered (some of them very close) 25 Humpback whales and upwards to one thousand Harp Seals. The sea churned with activity and this in turn attracted a large number of kittiwakes.
Sea conditions in the Barents sea continue to be very favourable and pleasant for travelling.
© OBelonovich
24 Aug 2017
Sadly we departed Franz Joseph Land early this morning bound for Murmansk and the end of the Northern Sea Route (or the beginning whichever way you l…READ MORE
24 Aug 2017
As a north wind and swell picked up, we followed in the wake of great explorers like Timothy Perevalov, James Cook, Sarychev and Billings and made ou…READ MORE
23 Aug 2017
The plan was audacious, in a gentle sort of way. We’d be woken up at 5.30 am should there be any whales to see, and hop into the Zodiacs before break…READ MORE
