[OKDXA] FW: Critical Update from VP8STI team

[w5le]

Sent from Mail for Windows 10


From: Roger Simpson
Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2016 4:01 PM
To: Gene Lewis
Subject: Critical Update from VP8STI team

Gene: The following text is an E-mail sent to many in the DX community via the VP8STI pilot.   I would put it up on the OKDXA reflector but sometimes when I do it doesn't work. I guess I have a cockpit problem here.
 
BTW, I finally worked VP8STI at 3AM Central Time early on Thursday morning [0902 UTC] on 20m CW. He was very very weak with heavy QSB but I was just barely able to dig him out. He was calling CQ with no takers so I was able to sneak in there. There was no pileup at the time. 
 
The following is verbatim from the E-mail note sent out from South Sandwich via the VP8STI head pilot. 
 
Could you put this up on the OKDXA reflector?
 
73  Roger   K5RKS
 
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Dear DX Community:
 
Since early this morning, we have been experiencing blizzard like conditions with strong winds and heavy snow fall. Some of our antennas have become damaged by the high winds and the snow fall is making access to them very difficult.  It is also increasingly difficult to re-fuel our generators.
 
Our biggest concern is our four tents, one of which has already been damaged by the high winds. We are in VHF communications with the Braveheart and we are discussing contingency plans to abort or shorten the DXpedition if safety requires.
 
The Braveheart is unable to maintain their anchor position and is moving out to sea. We are currently active on three stations however we are becoming increasingly less confident that we can maintain this activity. Please know that we are doing our best under extreme circumstances to make contacts with the global DX Community. This DXpedition has thoroughly tested each member physically, mentally and spiritually. We pray for a safe return.
 
We hope that we can continue however we feel the need to inform you that our activity may abruptly come to an end in the name of safety of our team and the crew of the Braveheart.
 
Best wishes from the Intrepid-DX Group VP8STI Team.
 
 
Thank you,
 
Paul N6PSE
Co-Leader, VP8STI
 
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