{{short description|South African ice-strengthened training ship and former polar research vessel}} {{Use South African English|date=April 2023}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}} {{Infobox ship | display_title = ital |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = S.A. Agulhas.jpg | image_caption = }}
|section2={{Infobox ship/career | hide_header = | country = South Africa | flag = 60px|Ensign of South Africa | name = ''S. A. Agulhas'' | namesake = | owner = | operator = | registry = | route = | ordered = | awarded = | builder = Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Shimonoseki | original_cost = | yard_number = 789 | way_number = | laid_down = 1977 | launched = 20 September 1977 | sponsor = | christened = | completed = January 1978 | acquired = | commissioned = | recommissioned = | decommissioned = | maiden_voyage = | in_service = | out_of_service = | renamed = | reclassified = | refit = | struck = | reinstated = | homeport = | identification = *{{IMO Number|7628136}} *{{MMSI Number|601048000}} *Callsign: ZSAF | motto = | nickname = | honours = | honors = | captured = | fate = Broken up<ref name="scrap">{{cite web|url=https://maritimereview.co.za/Articles/ArtMID/397/ArticleID/1980/Sold-for-scrap|title=Sold for scrap|website=Maritime Review Africa|accessdate=2 May 2026}}</ref> | status = | notes = | badge = }}
|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = | class = | type = | tonnage = {{cvt|6123|LT|t}}{{clarify|date=May 2026}}<ref name="sanap-agulhas">{{cite web|url=http://www.sanap.org.za/sanap_agulhas.html|title=SA Agulhas|publisher=South African National Antarctic Programme|access-date=2009-07-27|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027075847/http://www.sanap.org.za/sanap_agulhas.html|archive-date=27 October 2009}}</ref><ref name="dea-agulhas">{{cite web|title=SA Agulhas|url=http://www.environment.gov.za/Branches/MarineCoastal/AreasWork/latest/polar_supply_agalhas_appendix_a.pdf|publisher=Department of Environmental Affairs|access-date=5 October 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525015717/http://www.environment.gov.za/Branches/MarineCoastal/AreasWork/latest/polar_supply_agalhas_appendix_a.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2010}}</ref> | displacement = {{cvt|1837|LT|t}}tons<ref name="sanap-agulhas"/> | length = {{cvt|111.95|m|ft}}<ref name="sanap-agulhas"/><ref name="dea-agulhas"/> | beam = {{cvt|18.05|m|ft}}<ref name="sanap-agulhas"/><ref name="dea-agulhas"/> | height = | draught = {{cvt|6|m|ft}}<ref name="sanap-agulhas"/> | draft = | depth = | hold_depth = | decks = | deck_clearance = | ramps = | ice_class = | power = 2 {{nbsp}}×{{nbsp}} Mirrlees Blackstone KMR6; {{convert|4476|kW|abbr=on}}<ref name="dea-agulhas"/><ref name="sanap-agulhas"/> | propulsion = | speed = *{{convert|12.5|knots}} (Cruise) *{{convert|14|knots}} (Max)<ref name="dea-agulhas"/> | range = {{cvt|15000|nmi|abbr=on}}<ref name="dea-agulhas"/> | endurance = 90 days<ref name="dea-agulhas"/> | boats = | complement = 138<ref name="dea-agulhas"/> | crew = 40<ref name="dea-agulhas"/> | aircraft = 2 × Atlas Oryx | aircraft_facilities = | notes = }} }} '''''S. A. Agulhas''''' was a South African ice-strengthened training ship and former polar research vessel. She was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Shimonoseki, Japan, in 1978. ''S. A. Agulhas'' was used to service the three South African National Antarctic Programme research bases, Gough Island, Marion Island in the Southern Ocean and SANAE IV in Antarctica, as well as various research voyages.
''S. A. Agulhas'' retired from Antarctic service in April 2012 when the replacement vessel, ''S. A. Agulhas II'', was commissioned. She was transferred to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) as a training ship.<ref name="bd-retire">{{cite news|last=Van Zyl|first=Roux|title=Polar Stalwart SA Agulhas Retiring|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200911180709.html|access-date=4 October 2010|newspaper=Business Day|date=18 November 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629155619/http://allafrica.com/stories/200911180709.html|archive-date=29 June 2011}}</ref><ref name="ramona">[http://www.radioramona.fi/index.php?mw=&option=com_sbsarticle&tmpl=blog&cid=30664&cat=1 Antarktisen tutkimus- ja huoltoalus kastetiin ja laskettiin vesille Raumalla]. Radio Ramona, 21 July 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-22 [https://web.archive.org/web/20110725215832/http://www.radioramona.fi/index.php?mw=&option=com_sbsarticle&tmpl=blog&cid=30664&cat=1 mirror]</ref><ref name=EngineeringNews2011-09-30> {{cite news |url = http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/farewell-to-sa-agulhas-2011-09-30 |title = The SA Agulhas prepares for polar retirement |publisher = Engineering News |first = Dimakatso |last = Motau |date = 30 September 2011 |access-date = 2011-10-12 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111007230428/http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/farewell-to-sa-agulhas-2011-09-30 |archive-date = 7 October 2011 }}</ref>
The ship was sold for scrap in 2026.<ref name="scrap" />
==History==
===Rudder damage=== In December 1991, ''S. A. Agulhas'' suffered rudder damage while in the Antarctic, seen as karmic revenge for refusing to take Michael Palin to Antarctica at the end of Pole to Pole with Michael Palin. The German icebreaker ''Polarstern'' assisted her and by February 1992 ''S. A. Agulhas'' had been freed from the pack ice. Once freed, the SAS ''Drakensberg'' towed the stricken vessel back to Cape Town for repairs.<ref>{{cite web|title=S A AGULHAS|url=http://www.shipstamps.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9569&start=0|access-date=5 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SA Navy in the regional context|url=http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/role/page2.htm|publisher=South African Navy|access-date=5 October 2010|archive-date=25 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725034920/http://www.navy.mil.za/aboutus/role/page2.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Beskadigde SA Agulhas Saterdag in Kaap verwag|url=http://152.111.1.87/argief/berigte/dieburger/1992/02/19/9/10.html|access-date=5 October 2010|newspaper=Beeld|date=19 February 1992|language=af|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703113635/http://152.111.1.87/argief/berigte/dieburger/1992/02/19/9/10.html|archive-date=3 July 2011}}</ref>
===Rescue of the ''Magdalena Oldendorff''=== ''S. A. Agulhas'' participated in a multinational rescue of ''Magdalena Oldendorff'' in 2002.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2064862.stm| title=Icebreaker joins Antarctic rescue | publisher=BBC News| date=25 June 2002| access-date=2008-06-17}}</ref> The ice-strengthened cargo ship had become stuck in the ice during severe weather conditions while en route from a Russian Antarctic base to Cape Town. ''S. A. Agulhas'' and the Argentine icebreaker ''Almirante Irízar'' were dispatched to render assistance. On 27 June 2002, ''S. A. Agulhas'' was {{convert|370|km}} from ''Magdalena Oldendorff'', close enough for its two Oryx helicopters, operated by 22 Squadron,<ref name="sainfo-rescue"/> to reach the stricken vessel. By 1 June the Oryx had transferred 89 Russian Antarctic expedition members and ''Magdalena Oldendorff'' crew members<ref name="sainfo-rescue">{{cite web|title=SA pulls off Antarctic rescue|url=http://www.southafrica.info/news/agulhas.htm|publisher=South African Government|access-date=4 October 2010|date=3 July 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304002104/http://www.southafrica.info/news/agulhas.htm|archive-date=4 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> to ''S. A. Agulhas'' and have transferred {{convert|2000|kg}} of supplies to the remaining crew. The crew remaining on ''Magdalena Oldendorff'' were to await the arrival of ''Almirante Irizar'' and attempt to free the ship.<ref name="macron">{{cite web|title=Antarctic International Rescue – Jul 2002|url=http://www.marcon.com/marcon2c.cfm?SectionListsID=85&PageID=241|publisher=marcon International|access-date=4 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714033319/http://www.marcon.com/marcon2c.cfm?SectionListsID=85&PageID=241|archive-date=14 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Deaths at sea=== [[file:SA Agulhas with bull kelp and penguin.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|''S.A. Agulhas'' in 2007 with seal, penguin and kelp off Marion Island]] On 27 September 2007, Ordinary Seaman Edward Hudley was stabbed and killed while ''S. A. Agulhas'' was near Gough Island. Two crew members were accused of murder.<ref name=Iol2007-10-10> {{cite news| url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20071010113254452C619167| title=Supply ship murder accused denied bail| work=Independent Online| date=10 October 2007| author=Fouzia van der Fort| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021022638/http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20071010113254452C619167| archive-date=21 October 2012| url-status=dead}}</ref> The environmental protection vessel ''Sarah Baartman'' was dispatched and took custody of the two accused and the deceased's body on 3 October 2007. Both accused were charged with murder on arrival in Cape Town, but all charges were dropped on 6 April 2009.<ref name="tcw-emergency">{{cite web|title=Emergency Aboard SA Agulhas|url=http://www.tristandc.com/newsagulhasemergency.php|publisher=The Tristan da Cunha Website|access-date=4 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201055743/http://tristandc.com/newsagulhasemergency.php|archive-date=1 December 2010|year=2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On the ship's first ever voyage to Marion Island, a member of the crew was killed by another crew member, using a fire axe. On arrival back in Cape Town, the suspected killer could not be found on board the vessel. It was speculated that he jumped over the side of the vessel before arrival in Cape Town.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://alp.lib.sun.ac.za/bitstream/handle/123456789/2155/leith%20_bill_transcript.pdf?sequence=5&isAllowed=y |title=CAPTAIN BILL LEITH |date=26 January 2012 |access-date=28 February 2024}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=June 2012}}
==Mission==
The mission of ''S. A. Agulhas'' included regular visits to South Africa's base on Antarctica, and to research stations on Gough Island and Marion Island.<ref> {{cite news |url = http://www.tristandc.com/newsshipping.php |title = Last SA Agulhas Tristan Voyage |publisher = The Tristan da Cunha Newshipping |date = 7 October 2011 |access-date = 2011-10-12 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111201015122/http://www.tristandc.com/newsshipping.php |archive-date = 1 December 2011 }}
</ref><ref> {{cite news |url = http://www.gomag.co.za/whats_new/story/280 |title = S.A. Agulhas II nearing completion |work = Go Magazine |first = Cyril |last = Klopper |date = 15 August 2011 |access-date = 2011-10-12 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130421225734/http://www.gomag.co.za/whats_new/story/280 |archive-date = 21 April 2013 }}
</ref>
==Retirement from polar mission and new role==
''S. A. Agulhas'' retired from polar supply missions in March 2012, when its replacement, ''S. A. Agulhas II'', arrived.<ref name="bd-retire"/><ref name="ramona"/> The Oceans and Coasts Branch of the Department of Environmental Affairs announced in 2011 that several other government agencies had requested the vessel's transfer, noting that, unlike the new vessel, the first was not designed to carry out scientific research, just icebreaking and that the capability to perform scientific research had been added later. It was also reported that the vessel could be insured for a further two years.<ref name=EngineeringNews2011-09-30/>
In July 2012 the ''S. A. Agulhas'' was recommissioned as a training ship operated by the South African Maritime Safety Authority, the ship will continue to provide facilities for scientific research while training up to seventy merchant marine cadets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26602:sa-agulhas-now-a-training-vessel&catid=51:Sea&Itemid=106 |title=SA Agulhas now a training vessel |publisher=DefenceWeb |date=5 July 2012 |access-date=2012-07-17}}</ref>
Having undertaken a brief "shakedown" cruise from 4 July 2012, the ship left Cape Town on 2 November 2012 on the first full cruise as a training vessel. Included in the itinerary were visits to Tema and Abidjan to take on additional cadets from Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, while en route to London, UK. After returning to Cape Town, the ship then visited Antarctica. During the cruise various scientific experiments and observations were completed for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Departments of Science and Technology and Environmental Affairs. In 2013, the vessel delivered The Coldest Journey team, which was an Antarctica winter crossing expedition led by Sir Ranulph Fiennes in support of the charity "Seeing is Believing".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=26934:agulhas-1-headed-for-london&catid=51:Sea&Itemid=106 |title="Agulhas 1" headed for London |date=24 July 2012 |publisher=DefenceWeb |access-date=2012-07-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.link2media.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18146&Itemid=12 |title=Address at the Send Off of the Agulhas Vessel by Ms. Sindisiwe |publisher=link2media |date=2 November 2012 |access-date=2012-11-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130421205750/http://www.link2media.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18146&Itemid=12 |archive-date=21 April 2013 }}</ref>
== See also == * {{annotated link|S. A. Agulhas II}} * {{annotated link|South African National Antarctic Programme}} * {{annotated link|SANAE}} * {{annotated link|Gough Island}} * {{annotated link|Marion Island}}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category|S.A. Agulhas (ship, 1978)}} * [http://www.samsa.org.za South African Maritime Safety Authority] - The present owners (Official website). * [http://www.sanap.ac.za/sanap_vessels.html South African National Antarctic Programme] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126062841/http://www.sanap.ac.za/sanap_vessels.html |date=26 January 2013 }} - The previous owners (Official website).
{{SANAP navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:S.A. Agulhas}} Category:Ships of South Africa Agulhas Category:Maritime history of South Africa Category:South African National Antarctic Programme Category:1977 ships Category:Research vessels Category:Training ships Category:Ships built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries