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Christmas comes early for Royal Navy ship HMS Protector Christmas comes early for Royal Navy ship HMS Protector
(about 1 hour later)
The crew of the Royal Navy ship HMS Protector has celebrated Christmas early on the ice caps of Antarctica. The crew of the Royal Navy ship HMS Protector has celebrated Christmas early on the ice of Antarctica.
The ship is currently in the area to carry out survey and patrol operations and will be at sea on 25 December.The ship is currently in the area to carry out survey and patrol operations and will be at sea on 25 December.
The crew marked their special day by playing football and then enjoying a roast turkey dinner.The crew marked their special day by playing football and then enjoying a roast turkey dinner.
Commanding Officer, Captain Rhett Hatcher, said: "Spending Christmas in the coldest place on earth comes with challenges but is a unique privilege."Commanding Officer, Captain Rhett Hatcher, said: "Spending Christmas in the coldest place on earth comes with challenges but is a unique privilege."
He added: "With 21 hours of daylight we need to remind ourselves to take a break from operations, but when we do so we know that despite being a very long way from our families and friends at home, we are proud to be on patrol for the Royal Navy and in the best possible company over Christmas."He added: "With 21 hours of daylight we need to remind ourselves to take a break from operations, but when we do so we know that despite being a very long way from our families and friends at home, we are proud to be on patrol for the Royal Navy and in the best possible company over Christmas."
HMS Protector, a 5,000-tonne ice patrol ship, reached the Antarctic Peninsula via Cape Verde, Rio de Janeiro and South Georgia.HMS Protector, a 5,000-tonne ice patrol ship, reached the Antarctic Peninsula via Cape Verde, Rio de Janeiro and South Georgia.
During its posting, it is conducting research on behalf of the UK Hydrographic Office and also providing logistical support to the British Antarctic Survey organisation.During its posting, it is conducting research on behalf of the UK Hydrographic Office and also providing logistical support to the British Antarctic Survey organisation.
The British Antarctic Territory is the UK's largest overseas territory.The British Antarctic Territory is the UK's largest overseas territory.