Ablaze in a Blizzard

Ganesan was finally on board ship M V Thuleland on 26 Nov 1987 at Goa, Maharashtra port. He was appointed as Dy Leader of 7 th Indian Antarctic Expedition and Station Commander of Indian Antarctic Resaerch station Dakshin Gangotri for the period 1987-89. Mrs Ganesan and the children came to Goa to bid farewell to Ganesan. There was ocean of responsibility on the shoulder of Mrs Ganesan for the next one and half years. Brother-in law Mohanakrishnan (Balaji ) also had come to see off. As the last load helicopters of the Airforce and Navy were loaded. Finally the ship De anchored arround 4.00 PM ON 26 Nov 1987. Ganesan met all the 14 members of his winter team for the first time and every one introduced themself. The winter team was a conglamorated group. 3 from Army engineers, 4 from Army EME, 4 from Indian Navy, 2 from Indian Metrological Dept, 1 from Indian institute of geo magnetism 1 from Army Medical corps (Doctor-surgical specialist )

Similarly the team came from J&K to Kerala. To be specific 1 from J &K, 1 from Himachal Pradesh, 1 from Delhi, 1 from Madhyapradesh, 1 from Maharaashtra, 1 fom Andrapradesh 1 from Assam, 4 from Tamilnadu and 4 from Kerala. Command and control was not a problem as Ganesan has come just after 3 years Engineer Regiment Command. Language also was not a problem. So Ganesan was fully on home ground . Since he had thoroughly studied past Antarctic expedition reports and that of great explorers he was fully prepared to face the wintering at Antarctica like an Army commander battle inoculated for war with unknown enemy. On 21 December the Expedition reached Antarctica. En route while crossing Equater and while crossing 40-60 Degree latitude they had tough time reminding of the english movie "Possidon Adveture"where the ship capsise and passengers struggle for survival. Imediately on anchoring at Antarctic coast , the expedition leader and Dy leaders took a helicopter and went to Dakshingangotri to greet the 4 th winter team leader. There were 17 members wintering. On receiving our message that we will be visiting 4 members came out and standing under a bamboo pole in which India's national flag was flying. Rest of the team were busy in their works.

The helicopter reached 70.0*E, 12.05 * the latitude and longitude co ordinates where the Research station was located. The pilot was not able to trace the station as it was fully buried and sunk into ice. The leader insisted to lower down and a thin line of roof line was noticed. Now the pilot was able to see the four men under our national flag. The leaders got down and a person presumed to be the 4 th winter team leader came forward and shook hands. Col Ganesan was introduced as 5 th wintering leader who would be taking over from him. It was a sad affair as no pride or enthusism was seen on their faces and other members did not bother about the arrival of new team. Sqn leader K S Gill the pilot of the helicopter had a pathetic look at Col Ganesan about the threatening time he and his team going to have during 1987-89 wintering. On the contrary Ganesan had smiling face and full of pride that he will demonstrate to the world about wintering at Antarctica and his leadership qualities during his time at Antarctica. The routine of unloading of stores handing and taking over of the station started.

The 1987 Dec-1988 Jan,Feb period at Antarctica experienced un presidented weather interrupting the normal summer actvitiec. With the result the team was running short of time and work was resorted 24 Hrs non stop . Being polar day sun was there 24 Hrs helping them. Inspite of all efforts the Blizzards over took us and many tasks were unfinished. On 24 Feb 1988 a heavy blizzard was forming up and captain of the ship suggested to De anchor and move the ship to deep water. All summer team personnel were called to the ship and winter team concentrated at Dakshingangotri. As expected the blizzard in full blast started and the ship kept on moving deeper and deeper. At about 1600 hrs on advice from the captain of the ship , the expedition leader sent a Fax message to Col Ganesan. " Deeply regret to bid you farewell like this , as we are set to move further North due to un avoidable circumstances. we are departing to India. Take care of you and your team. God Bless." Ganesan expected this. So on 24 Feb 1988 india's 5th wintering Started. To be contd........