According to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), the naval research vessel RSV 421 will reach the Bosphorus Strait on Thursday, November 5, after leaving Varna on Wednesday for its fifth expedition to Antarctica. The ship’s commander, Captain Radko Muevski, told BTA that the vessel is expected to arrive in the area of the Bosphorus at about 6–7 a.m. and to pass through the strait that morning.
"We will pass through the Bosphorus in the morning and, by around 9 a.m., or 10 a.m. at the latest, we expect to anchor at the southernmost entrance to the Bosphorus, where we will refuel," Muevski said.
After refueling, RSV 421 will continue on its course toward the Dardanelles Strait via the Sea of Marmara and proceed into the Aegean Sea. From there, the ship will head for Antalya in southern Turkey to take part in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) that is scheduled to convene this year.
The voyage also carries logistical support for Bulgaria’s St Kliment Ohridski Base on Livingston Island, according to BTA. The ship’s journey underscores Bulgaria’s role in Antarctic research and its commitment to international polar cooperation. The Naval Academy in Varna noted the importance of the mission for developing Bulgaria’s presence in the polar regions.
A national press club of the Bulgarian News Agency has been operating on board RSV 421 since 2022, and BTA reporters Simona‑Alex Mihaleva and photojournalist Milena Stoykova will remain aboard until the vessel reaches Antalya.
