For the first time two Chinese polar research icebreakers are sailing together on a voyage to Antarctica.
Xuelong 2, China's first domestically-built polar research vessel and icebreaker, was joined by Xuelong, another research vessel on its course to Antarctica on Thursday.
Xuelong, which set sail seven days after Xuelong 2 from a different port, caught up after the Xuelong 2 passed through the Westerlies near Antarctica.
For many of Xuelong 2's members, the meeting was an emotional moment.
"This is the first time our country has two ships exploring Antarctica together. Right now Xuelong is on our starboard. I think this is a historical moment," said one researcher on Xuelong 2.
Another researcher had previously been aboard the Xuelong. He was excited to see his old ship.
"This is my third time coming to Antarctica for a science expedition. I rode on the Xuelong, which is now right next to us, the first two times. I'm very excited seeing the two ships sailing together, it brings back memories of being on that other ship. Two ships on a research mission together, this has got to be a milestone for China's Antarctica research," said another.
Xuelong 2 came into official service on July 11, and is on its virgin voyage to Antarctica for the country's 36th Antarctic expedition. The two ships are carrying scientists to the Chinese Zhongshan research station for joint expedition operations.
Source:cctvplus
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