28 Feb 2012
Two Brazilian people have died after a fire broke out in an Antarctic research station in the South Shetland Islands.
Brazilian military and scientific personnel managed to flee from the fire, and no more deaths have been reported, but it is believed many were injured.
Portsmouth-based ice patrol ship HMS Protector attended the incident at the Ferraz research hub to help put out the flames.
Twenty-three sailors boarded the ship with fire-fighting equipment and the Protector’s small boats were used to secure vehicles and equipment.
A HMS Protector spokesman said: “The work boat Terra Nova landed a quad bike and trailer so portable pumping and fire-fighting equipment could be moved around the base.”
Captain Peter Sparkes, the commanding officer of HMS Protector, added: “This was a tragic incident, which resulted in the death of two people and the injury of many more.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Brazilian navy’s Antarctic service and their families.”
Copyright Press Association 2012