Over the weekend both the Gelendzhik and the Megaforce were on standby due to bad weather. Both vessels are anchored within 30kms of the Sydney region. The above satellite image from the Australian Bureau of Meterology was taken on Sunday.

The Gelendzhik was experiencing gale force Beaufort 9 conditions up to 45 knots with a heavy, south-westerly swell.  The winds have caused minor damage to the on board antennae, and communications have been limited to satellite phone.  The crew had a weekend forecast of 50-55 knot winds with  rough to high seas.  We are waiting for the reports from yesterday’s activities.

The Megaforce is also anchored, riding out the poor weather conditions, with 30-40 knot winds in a 2-3 metre swell.  Our survey representative, Martin Blakely, reports that conditions are clearing and they hope to resume survey activities tomorrow.

The schedule for the survey takes into account delays due to poor weather conditions, and as such the survey is still considered to be running on schedule.