Moving the R/V Neecho

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Moving the R/V Neecho

• The R/V Neecho was stationed on Lago Titicaca,
  Bolivia from 1997 until 2004. While on Lago
  Titicaca the vessel performed several cruises
  supporting coring and seismic operations for
  climate research. In late 2004 the vessel was
  relocated to Ushuaia, Argintena for research in
  the Beagle Channel and Lago Fagnano. This is a
  photo log of the vessels journey further south
  from its original home in Woodshole, MA.

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R/V Neecho on Lago Titicaca prior to loading in
2004.
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Truck and trailer at the Inca Utama Hotel/Crillon
Hydrofoil docks on Lago Titicaca in Huatajata,
Bolivia.
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In December 2004, the R/V Neecho lifted out of
Lago Titicaca
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Loading the R/V Neecho onto the trailer. It is
obvious in this photo that the vessel needs some
attention.
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R/V Neecho loaded and in transit from Lago
Titicaca.
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• The R/V Neecho travel via truck from Huatajata,
  Bolivia through El Alto to Arica, Chile down
  through Santiago where it was temporarily stored
  at the AGUNZA warehouse for tire repair and to
  wait for the Puerto Montt/Puerto Natales ferry
  (bottom right). Early January 2005.

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The long journey from Lago Titicaca, Bolivia to
Ushuaia, Argentina was long and hard on both the
trailer and the vessel. Several tires blew out
along the way. Here is the R/V Neecho at the
AGUNZA warehouse in Santiago, Chile awaiting new
tires. A crack in the bow was also discovered in
Ushuaia. It is uncertain how and where the damage
occurred.
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R/V Neecho arrives in late January 2005, at CADIC
in Ushuaia, Argentina. The entire journey took
approximately 30 days to complete.
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The R/V Neecho off loaded at Puerto Natales,
Chile to clear customs and enter Argentina.
Transport continued to Puerto Delgado, Argentina
where it crossed the Straits of Magallan on
another ferry. Transport continued on Tierra del
Fuego through Rio Grande to CADIC in Ushuaia.
Port of Ushuaia in the background
Cord. Darwin in the backgroung
CADIC in the background
City and Port of Ushuaia in the background
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The only damage to the vessel was a crack on the
bow which was easily repaired. After several
years on Lago Titicaca (1996 to 2004), the vessel
needed some attention both mechanically and
esthetically. It took a group effort, long days,
and some wet and cold weather to get the vessel
ready.
PhD or painting boats?
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After the vessel was reconditioned we launched
the R/V Neecho at the Port of Ushuaia by the
Beagle Channel to obtain certification from the
Prefectura (similar to the USCG). The container
crane had no problem handling the vessel.
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Cruising the Beagle Channel
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Transporting the R/V Neecho to Lago Fagnano.
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There were few launch site option on Lago
Fagnano. The best site was on the east end. The
photo on the left is looking south the opposing
photo looking north.
Before the vessel could be launch, the beach
needed to be prepared.
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Launching the R/V Neecho into Lago Fagnano from
the trailer.
Step 3 Prepare a firm launch area
Step 4 Back it down slow
Step 7 Enough to float the vessel and...
Step 5 Inch it in... carefully...
Step 6 bit by bit
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The R/V Neecho on Lago Fagnano