Refuge Islands facts for kids
Refuge Islands (68°21′S 67°10′W / 68.350°S 67.167°W) are a small group of islands located in a very cold place called Antarctica. They are about 1 nautical mile (which is almost 2 kilometers) away from tall ice cliffs. These islands are off the west coast of a region known as Graham Land.
The islands were found and named by a group of explorers called the British Graham Land Expedition (BGLE) between 1934 and 1937. Their leader was named Rymill. The explorers used these islands as a special storage spot for supplies when they went on long trips using sleds. This helped them travel south from their main base, which was in the Debenham Islands.
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El Plumerillo Refuge: A Shelter in Antarctica
Quick facts for kids
El Plumerillo Refuge
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Refuge
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 El Plumerillo Refuge
Location in Antarctic Peninsula
El Plumerillo Refuge
Location in Antarctica
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| Country |  Argentina |
| Location in Antarctic Peninsula | Refuge Islands Fallières Coast Antarctica |
| Administered by | Argentine Army |
| Established | 1953 |
| Type | Seasonal |
| Status | Operational |
Refuge El Plumerillo (68°21′09″S 67°09′01″W / 68.352621°S 67.150218°W) is a special shelter in Antarctica. It is built on one of the small Refuge Islands. This spot is in Rymill Bay on the Fallières Coast.
Who Runs the Refuge?
The Argentine Army manages and operates this refuge. It first opened on April 28, 1953. The refuge also gets support from the San Martín Base, which is another important station located north of El Plumerillo.
Building the Shelter
The hut itself is made from wood and was built in sections that could be put together. During its construction, a Sikorsky H-5 helicopter was very helpful. This helicopter, with the registration LV-XXT, helped with many tasks. It showed the way for people traveling on the ground. It also carried important supplies like food and fuel, even when there were snowstorms.
A Helicopter Accident
On September 24, 1953, the same helicopter was flying to the shelter. It was trying to land in a specific spot. However, the helicopter's tail rotor hit a pile of ice and rock. This caused the helicopter to fall onto its right side. The main rotor, which helps the helicopter fly, broke. Parts of the landing gear and the cabin were also damaged.
Luckily, no one was hurt or died in the accident. People were able to save the lighter items that the helicopter was carrying. The damaged helicopter stayed there for a whole year. After that, it was taken apart and moved to the San Martin Base.
