The captain of the Spanish oceanographic research vessel ‘Hespérides’, sailing in Antarctica, died after falling into the freezing water, Friday, the Ministry of Defense announced.
The navy ship Captain, identified as Javier Montojo Salazar, disappeared on Friday night, while the ship was near the Juan Carlos 1 research base on Livingstone Island.
Namely, the Captain was last seen at approximately 6 o’clock in the afternoon. After confirming that he was not onboard the ship, a search and rescue operation began using “all available resources”, however his body was recovered from the sea six hours later.
The exact causes of the accident are yet to be determined. However, sources reveal he was alone on the deck at the time of the accident.
Antarctica has the coldest climate on the Earth. Temperature at this time of the year can reach approximately -50°.
Official sources reveal the captain’s remains will be taken to Argentina before being repatriated.
Spain’s prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, and minister of defense, María Dolores de Cospedal expressed their condolences to the family and colleagues of Javier Montojo Salazar, via their social media accounts.
Mis condolencias a la familia y los compañeros de Javier Montojo Salazar, capitán de fragata en el buque de investigación oceanográfica Hespérides, por su fallecimiento en la Antártida. Triste noticia. MR
— Mariano Rajoy Brey (@marianorajoy) March 3, 2018
