YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARTSAKHPRESS. The first Bulgarian military research/survey vessel (RSV) Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii set sail from Varna for Antarctica on Tuesday at 2 pm. The voyage is expected to last four months, and the vessel will take 40 days to reach Livingston Island. Prof. Christo Pimpirev is the leader of the 31st Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition. BTA’s Daily News editor Konstantin Karagyozov will be on board, reporting from aboard the ship, from the St. Kliment Ohridski Bulgarian Antarctic Base and on the way back.
Dozens of close friends and relatives and many residents of Varna gathered to send off the ship. On deck, priests from the Diocese of Varna and Veliki Preslav blessed the ship, crew and scientists for a successful return from their mission. The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the Bulgarian Navy Rear Admiral Kiril Mikhailov, and Regional Governor of Varna Mario Smurkov.
President Rumen Radev sent his greetings and wishes for safe sailing in a statement which reads that the event is another proof of the consolidation of Bulgaria’s good reputation on the White Continent. Radev points out that the sailing of the ship is historic, and will help reach new scientific heights, raising the prestige of Bulgaria. “This sailing marks the beginning of a new stage in the interaction between science and the Bulgarian armed forces in the face of the Navy,” the President’s letter said.
