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| 23 July 2003 |
Antarctic scientist dies after seal attack |
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A British scientist has been killed in a seal attack while snorkelling at an Antarctic research station.
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) announced today that marine biologist Kirsty Margot Brown, 28, died at Rothera Research Station on the Antarctic Peninsula yesterday.
Ms Brown was apparently attacked without warning by a leopard seal while she was snorkelling at her study site in a bay close to the station. Leopard seals are often inquisitive when they encounter humans, however, they are not generally known to attack humans unless provoked.
Her colleagues were able to pull her from the water and begin resuscitation in the boat, but despite that and carrying out CPR for an hour, the station doctor and colleagues were unable to revive her. None of her colleagues were injured and a full investigation will follow.
A keen diver, Kirsty had gained BSAC dive leader qualifications and a commercial HSE Part IV professional diver's qualification. She had experience of diving off Greenland, in temperate and tropical waters off Australia and in UK waters. She joined BAS in summer 2002 on a 30-month contract.
Director of BAS, Professor Chris Rapley CBE said: "This is tragic and shocking. My heart goes out to Kirsty's family and her colleagues at Rothera. Kirsty was a vibrant, dynamic individual, committed to her science and with a promising scientific career ahead of her. The Rothera team reacted in a highly efficient and professional manner of which we, and they, can be proud. They are, however, shaken by the loss of a colleague and will need our support."
BAS Rothera Research Station on the Antarctic Peninsula is the centre for biology, geoscience and atmospheric science programmes. Twenty-two research and support staff are 'wintering' there at present.
(GMcG) |
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