Title:HMS ENDURANCE: BRITISH ANTARCTIC SURVEY 1997/1998 (RUSHES) [Allocated Title]
Film Number:ADM 6744
Other titles:ROYAL NAVY VIDEOS: 1990s [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Unedited scenes showing aspects of the work of the British Antarctic Survey, and featuring the BAS ship RRS Bransfield with the Royal Navy's Antarctic Patrol Ship HMS Endurance in support.
Description: (Tape 1) Various angles show framework with several large metal test cylinders attached being lowered into the water. After the frame is back on board, the cylinders - each labelled "Ocean test Equipment" - are removed and samples of water are decanted from them individually. Helicopters remove barrels of fuel from RRS Bransfield - the barrels are carried in nets underslung beneath the helicopters. The barrels are transferred ashore onto the Ronne Ice Shelf. Shots from air and from on board Bransfield. General views on deck, including shots of a large shipping container labelled BASU 9718. Meteorological work - weather balloons are sent up; shots also of computer collecting data. Shots of ice floes.
(Tape 2) Royal Navy Lynx helicopter transfers further fuel cans and other supplies onto the ice. Aerial shots of RRS Bransfield against the ice, and of HMS Endurance slowly breaking a way through the ice floes. Interior shots of helicopter. On Bransfield, a probe is lowered into the water as part of an experiment. Shots of water with large pieces of ice floating on the surface.
(Tape 3) Retrieval of experiments (in floating plastic containers) from water. Small watertight metal cylinders are removed and cleaned; inside each is a Data Storage Unit with LCD display - one is shown being connected to a computer for data transfer. On the bridge of HMS Endurance, Captain Tim Barton discusses Endurance's three roles - as a hydrographic research ship, as a Royal navy vessel, and as support for the British Antarctic Survey. On Bransfield, more barrels of fuel are transported onto the ice shelf. Interview with Keith Nicholls, glaciologist for the British Antarctic Survey discussing physical oceanography. Helicopter shots on the edge of the Ronne Ice Shelf - helicopter lands on ice -sign "SOUTH POLE 730 nms" is held up, and the scientists pose with a bottle of spirits. Further helicopter shots over ice, including Endurance making a passage through the ice itself.
Alternative Title:ROYAL NAVY VIDEOS: 1990s [Allocated Series Title]