Despite severe weather challenges, the 34th Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition has reached critical milestones in its international scientific program. Following a successful deployment in the Antarctic Sound,
German scientists Emil Stanev and Michel Albinos have completed the retrieval of GPS-equipped instruments designed to map the region's complex underwater currents.
Parallel to this, Greek oceanologists Dionysia Rigatou and Eleni Kytinou have successfully collected and processed deep-water samples, isolating phytoplankton to better understand the Sound's role in global water mass exchange.
The "Heaviest Storm" and Mission Recovery
The expedition recently endured its most significant atmospheric hurdle to date. On February 10, 2026, a massive storm with wind gusts exceeding 150 km/h hit the region.
-
Operational Impact: The research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) was forced to seek shelter near the Spanish base, Juan Carlos I, halting all boat transfers for 48 hours.
-
Resumption of Duties: As of today, Wednesday, February 11, weather conditions have improved sufficiently for a group of explorers, led by Prof. Hristo Pimpirev, to begin their departure for Bulgaria via King George Island.
International Cooperation & New Infrastructure
A highlight of the 2026 season is the inauguration of a new meteorology and seismology laboratory at the St. Kliment Ohridski base.
-
Joint Venture: Built in partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the facility features a wave measurement station—the only one on Livingston Island—providing real-time data for a regional tsunami early-warning system.
-
Spiritual Arrival: The laboratory was officially consecrated today with the installation of two icons donated by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil, which arrived aboard RSV 421.
The "Antarctic Hitchhiker"
In a gesture of polar diplomacy, Prof. Hristo Pimpirev hosted a delegation of Spanish scientists and logistics staff earlier this week. He presented them with his latest book, The Antarctic Hitchhiker, and commemorative medals to celebrate the decades of partnership between the Bulgarian and Spanish Antarctic programs.
The Bottom Line
The 34th Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition is now transitioning into its "winterization" phase. While some scientists are departing today, a core team remains to finalize construction on two new laboratory blocks. The presence of BTA’s National Press Club on both the ship and the island continues to provide real-time, free-to-use coverage of these historic events.
