QUESTION:
We were wondering what do you feel is the most risky aspect regarding your 
safety aboard the Polar Duke?   
     
                From Liza, Lanette, and Heather
                Sixth.grade students from Rockbridge, Wisconsin

ANSWER from Al Hickey, aboard the R/V Polar Duke
            Crossing the Drake Passage/ Heading for Punta Arenas
            Sat, 15 Feb 1997 18:48:07 +0000 (GMT)

Dear Liza, Lanette, and Heather,

That's a good question.  There are several risks associated with an
unforgiving climate.  One is that help is very far away.  We are basically
alone down here.  As on any ship, a fire, or water coming into the ship due
to collision would possibly necessitate abandoning ship.  The periods of
extreme cold and tempestuous weather would present a serious threat to our
survival in a small lifeboat on open water until we could be rescued. 
Adventurers in earlier times have endured those hardships and hopefully we
would be up to the task if necessary. 

Thanks for your question!
Al Hickey