In brief
On Thursday, the RSV 421, led by Captain Radko Muevski, will cross the Bosphorus Strait in Turkey, refuel at its southern entrance, and head toward the Dardanelles before entering the Aegean Sea. The ship supports Bulgaria’s Antarctic station on Livingston Island and will later travel to Antalya for UN Climate Change Conference COP31. BTA journalists remain on board during the voyage.
The Bulgarian naval research vessel RSV 421 is set to enter the Bosphorus Strait in Turkey on Thursday, bringing with it a crew of scientists, Captain Radko Muevski, and two BTA journalists who will document the journey.
RSV 421 departed from Varna’s Maritime Station on Wednesday, following a ceremonial send‑off that marked the start of its fifth expedition to Antarctica. The vessel is part of the 35th Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition, whose mission is to provide logistical support for the St Kliment Ohridski Base on Livingston Island.
The commander explained that the ship will reach the Bosphorus Strait area between 6 and 7 a.m. on November 5, according to a statement released by the Bulgarian News Agency.
"We expect to be in the area of the Bosphorus Strait at around 6-7 a.m. on November 5,"
During the morning crossing, the vessel will pass through the strait and plan to anchor at its southernmost entrance by no later than 9 or 10 a.m. to refuel, the commander said.
After refueling, RSV 421 will continue its voyage toward the Dardanelles Strait across the Sea of Marmara and then enter the Aegean Sea. From there, the ship is bound for Antalya, where it will take part in this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31.
The Bulgarian Naval Academy in Varna has highlighted the importance of RSV 421’s mission, citing the ship’s role in advancing Bulgaria’s presence in polar research and demonstrating its commitment to international cooperation in Antarctica. The expedition also marks a continued partnership between the navy and scientific community.
On board the vessel are reporter Simona‑Alex Mihaleva and photojournalist Milena Stoykova, members of the national press club of the Bulgarian News Agency. They will stay with the ship until it reaches Antalya, providing live coverage of the voyage and the ship’s scientific operations.
RSV 421’s inclusion of journalists ensures that the international community receives real‑time reporting on the vessel’s progress and its role in supporting Antarctic research. As the ship moves through the Turkish waters, it will serve as a floating embodiment of Bulgaria’s contributions to both polar science and global climate diplomacy.
