Moving the R/V NeechoThe 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.

R/V Neecho on Lago Titicaca prior to loading in 2004.

Truck and trailer at the Inca Utama Hotel/Crillon Hydrofoil docks on Lago Titicaca in Huatajata, Bolivia.

In December 2004, the R/V Neecho lifted out of Lago Titicaca

Loading the R/V Neecho onto the trailer. It is obvious in this photo that the vessel needs some attention.

R/V Neecho loaded and in transit from Lago Titicaca.

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.

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.

R/V Neecho arrives in late January 2005, at CADIC in Ushuaia, Argentina. The entire journey took approximately 30 days to complete.

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 backgroundCity and Port of Ushuaia in the background

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?

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.

Cruising the Beagle Channel

Transporting the R/V Neecho to Lago Fagnano.

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.

Launching the R/V Neecho into Lago Fagnano from the trailer.

Step 3: Prepare a firm launch area

Step 6: … bit by bit

Step 7: Enough to float the vessel and...

Step 4: Back it down slow

Step 5: Inch it in... carefully...

The R/V Neecho on Lago Fagnano