Plymouth's Lou heading to Antarctic to oversee the world's most Southern Post Office and 1,000 Gentoo penguins
The RNLI Volunteer is currently making her way to Port Lockroy
Last updated 29th Dec 2024
An RNLI volunteer from Plymouth is taking charge of the world's most southern Post Office.
Lou Hoskin, crew member at Plymouth Lifeboat Station, is part of a five-strong team being stationed for the Austral Summer at Base A in Port Lockroy - known as the birthplace for British Antarctic Science - where they’ll live in constant daylight.
They are working with the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT) to maintain the 'post office at the bottom of the world' and they'll also monitor the 1,000 Gentoo penguins that live on Goudier Island. This will involve counting nests, eggs and chicks in an effort to protect the colony.
The team will also handle thousands of postcards sent from Port Lockroy and welcome visitors from cruise ships.
She said: "UKAHT look after a number of buildings on the continent, including Station A on Port Lockroy. It was built as part of the Second World War effort but abandoned and fell into a state of disrepair.
"We all do a lot of roles, but as base leader I am overseeing things, making sure everyone has got everything they need.
"In worst case scenarios, in emergencies, I take the lead, and my RNLI background and training is absolutely why I was picked for the role.
"Another member of the Plymouth RNLI crew was talking about this trip and said I should apply. The ethos of the RNLI, and experience of being cool and calm in an emergency, will apply out there and be really helpful to me."
Port Lockroy and Blaiklock Island Refuge are one of the six heritage sites managed by the UKAHT, along with their role in leading the conservation management plan for the famous shipwreck Endurance.
Camilla Nichol, CEO at UKAHT, said: "We have selected the team, not just for their love for Antarctica and a desire to preserve and protect its human history, but also for their resilience too."