This morning, as we were preparing the ship for the next leg of our journey, we got the news that another oil rig, the Vermillion 380, has exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, risking the lives of at least 13 workers who were rescued from the site.

Right now, the Arctic Sunrise is docked in St. Petersburg, restocking supplies and preparing to head back out into the Gulf for the second leg of our three-month long research tour of the Gulf. Our science coordinator has been sorting out the last minute details with the scientists, our cook is restocking the kitchen, and the deck crew has been getting the ship in the best possible shape for the next part of our journey. In the past month, we’ve settled into a good, productive rhythm of work, as the crew managed the logistics for plankton tows, diving, whale watching, and more. Some of the results of what we’re doing right now won’t be available for months, but we all know that it’s important to be producing independent science now, so that we can help shape the policies for the future.

But meanwhile, in the Gulf of Mexico[...]

[Published in NonProfitBlogs - Read the original article]