ZS8W – Marion Island: Update from Yuris YL2GM

📍 Location: Marion Island, Southern Indian Ocean
📅 Dates of Operation: April 21 – May 16, 2025
📶 Callsign: ZS8W
🎙️ Operator: Yuris, YL2GM
🛰️ Supported by: NCDXF

🗞️ Latest News – April 23 Update

As of April 23rd, Yuris is still aboard the S.A. Agulhas II, currently delayed due to poor weather conditions. Disembarkation at Marion Island may be possible around Saturday, weather permitting. DXers around the globe are closely watching the updates and tracking the vessel’s progress.

📷 Here’s the latest ship view provided by Yuris:

[Image embedded on DX-World]

🚢 Voyage Timeline Recap

April 16: Yuris sets sail from Cape Town after finally receiving long-awaited permits, having faced multiple delays since 2018.
April 20: The ship reached halfway to Marion Island—600 nautical miles to go.
April 22: The ship nears the island with expected arrival later that day; however, challenging sea conditions stall progress.

🔧 Mission Goals

While DXing is on everyone's mind, it's essential to note that Yuris is part of the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) technical crew. His primary responsibility involves:

Maintaining low-power HF radios
Servicing dipole antennas at remote huts across Marion Island

Given this, operating time may be limited during the busy resupply mission.

📡 What to Expect On Air

Yuris hopes to activate ZS8W across multiple bands and modes, but his responsibilities will take priority. Expectations should remain realistic—especially during the resupply window. Historically, SANAP has been cautious about non-station crew focusing on amateur radio during work assignments.

📣 DXer Reactions

Rick, WC2K: “Looking for ZS8 on CW/SSB. Hope to snag an ATNO (#333)!”
Fred, N6YEU: “One of my final 5 ATNOs—CW/SSB preferred!”
Dave P: “Reminder that SANAP may not support full-on ham operations during the busy changeover.”
Roger, G3LDI: “Please avoid FT8-only—CW and RTTY are also highly sought after!”

🔗 Tracking the Expedition

This activation of Marion Island, ranked #11 overall, #2 (CW), and #3 (Digi) on the April 2025 Club Log DXCC Most Wanted List, is a rare opportunity for DXers. Let’s hope for good weather, safe landfall, and plenty of pileups!

🎧 Stay tuned for more updates via DX-World.net!