Expedition praises Canterbury support

Press, 24 January 1986, Page 5

Expedition praises Canterbury support

The people of Christchurch and Lyttelton played “a definite part” in the success of the Footsteps of Scott Expedition, said Captain Graham Phippen, master of the Southern Quest, yesterday.

In a letter to “The Press,” Captain Phippen said he hoped they would share in the success of the expedition.

He said members of the expedition first arrived at Lyttelton in January last year, emulating Captain Scott, who also used the port as a stepping stone to Antarctica. The Southern Quest returned to Lyttelton after its first trip to Antarctica and the crew spent “six happy and fruitful weeks” there and

at Christchurch. “The support we raised here, from individuals, companies and official bodies all played a definite part in achieving the main aim of the expedition,” he said. This aim was achieved on January 11, when three men arrived, unassisted, at the South Pole. Captain Phippen also referred to the sinking of the Southern Quest and the rescue of its crew by the United States Navy.

“We mourn the loss of our ship the Southern Quest but have no doubts that we operated her in a professional manner right up to het loss and safe evacuation.

"Crew and equipment

were of the highest standard and had been tested and proved to be so. She was lost in conditions that have seriously troubled several larger ships in the very heavy pack-ice experienced this Antarctic summer.

“We would like to thank the American authorities responsible for the assistance given to us after the loss of the Southern Quest”

Captain Phippen also said that the expedition would revisit Christchurch later this year. He hoped the city’s people would consider the expedition worth while after they had seen the finished record through films and lectures.