Cape Town - The research vessel, SA Agulhas, has arrived in Cape Town after 13 months on a scientific expedition, the environmental affairs department said on Wednesday.
It said the teams on board the vessel had been doing scientific research in and around Gough Island.
“The contribution from the scientific community to this meaningful cause in research has not gone unnoticed,” the department said.
“The trials for the eradication of mice from the island were done successfully,” it said.
“The base is built on land leased by South Africa from the British government. The lease agreement was recently renewed for another 20 years.”
In terms of the agreement, South Africa must transport a limited number of British citizens and cargo on the Agulhas, at a concessionary rate between Cape Town and the island.
Scientists were also taken to nearby Nightingale Island where they would stay until December to monitor seabirds and penguins.
Sapa