By Hadrian - YO2BTW 
3Y0K Bouvet QRT!!!! 14.03.2026 16:00 UTC
3Y0K is QRT.
6 persons remain on the island to take down the last tents and pack the rest of our supplies.
15 persons are back on vessel, included most of cargo. We anticipate full extraction tomorrow.
Thanks for all the support, More info later.
UPDATE – 13.03.2026 – 15:00 UTC
3Y0K Bouvet – Important
”This just in from the Island:
We’re currently focusing on getting all persons off island this weekend. There is a forecasted wx window saturday and sunday, and if that holds we will be off air. The wind is still quite strong around 40 knot, but is expected to decrease. If weather does not permit full extraction, we will remain on air for some more days, as next window maybe tuesday (uncertain).
Camp setup has been rearranged this morning, and we have 4 ICOM and FLEX radios running now with ACOM amplifiers, 500 to 1 kW. These will remain on air for as long as possible. We have taken down the topband antenna as it conflicts with the heli landing area. We will QRV on all other bands for now, but expect this night to be the last one for 80m. By today all yagis will be down but we will still run QRO.
Team is well and in good spirit as we have reached 100.000 QSOs. Focus now is to extract in a safe way, with sufficient essential supplies for those remaining onshore.
More info will follow.”
73 3Y0K – Team
UPDATE – 11.03.2026 – 12:00 UTC
Bouvetøya, March 10th 2026
While the previous days has been good, the current weather at Bouvetøya is strong wind 25 m/s and rain and we have difficulties to walk and stand up while outdoor. The160m antenna broke today and the 20m yagi is also damaged and not in use. We have spare parts ready for the antennas, but currently it is deemed unsafe to raise the Yagi in this strong wind. We will get it up as soon as the weather allows it.
One of the smaller tents is also damaged in the adverse weather. For radio and sleeping we have large and solid tents from Arctic Lavvo in Norway. These have proven to withstand strong wind also during the previous 3Y0J trip, and so far, no issues with them. The damages so far won’t impact the operation, we have backups that will be installed should we experience more damages.
The current forecast is that we will have this weather until the weekend, so more action is possible. Today we had some food delivered from the vessel in the morning, it is not every day you order a pizza to be delivered by helicopter to Bouvetøya! This was welcomed by the operators who have eaten MRE since they arrived Saturday 28th to give you this new band slot. Each day we have 3 MRE meals from a Norwegian manufacturer. We do have a social tent where we meet for the meals and talk not only about radio but also other things.
The daily routine is that we have 6h shift rotation in a schedule so we can work during different timeslots and experience various propagation and bands. Last night there was a good opening on 160m, so it is a priority to get this antenna up when weather allow.
We currently have 6-7 stations up and running and will keep this until the weekend. It is likely we will see a partial tear down if there is a weather window this weekend or early next week. We still plan to stay as long as possible next week, but the weather window will dictate when we must return to vessel. We have currently logged more than 70.000 contacts, and we thank everyone for being in the pileup!
73, 3YØK
UPDATE – 07.03.2026 – 21:00 UTC
Operation Announcement!
QO-100 is now Active with SSB- Good Luck to this unique set.
10489888.0 – AUDIO
UPDATE – 07.03.2026 – 14:00 UTC
STATUS / OPERATIONAL UPDATE
The team is doing well on Bouvet, we are all in good spirit as we see the camp build up take place and operation is now going well.
We have all tents and antennas installed at this point. We have 4 Yagis installed, WIMO monobanders on 15 and 20 + two dual banders on 17/12 and today a 5 element monobander on 10m. We have 18m top loaded spiderpole on 160m, full-size on 40m using Spiderbeam poles. We run in band operation on 40,20,17,15,12 and 10 using our ICOM radios and ACOM amplifiers also supported by DX Engineering hardware.We also have a FLEX Aurora 500W radio setup. We have 6 stations and amplifiers with 500W to 1 kW + power output, and we have enough fuel to run high power throughout the operation.
On Top Band you should look for us as we are QRV every night through our sunrise. Propagation on some bands is challenging, and they close earlier than expected. All yagis have excellent take off towards EU/Asia and also NA. Our camp is located at the upper area where we planned to setup a NA camp. There is no camp in the lower area due to the wildlife. Since we visited Bouvet last time the global warming has made the glacier recede, so the seals and penguins now occupy a large area of Cape Fie even as much as 3-400 meter uphill. In some ten years from now, this area might be out of reach for any expedition!
The weather at Bouvet is windy and cold and it is challenging to keep the antenna farm up. While we have reached our max setup, we see increased maintenance, things that must be fixed and repaired.
We had several days with high wind, snow and rather cold days. Setting up antennas in this weather has been challenging, but fun! Today is an exceptional day with no wind and blue sky, a truly very nice day at the island that also allowed us to take a hike and do some sightseeing.
Our logs will be uploaded once a day and you can check the log at M0OXO website. We expect to run another 7-9 days at full setup before we start planning how to gradually extract from the island.
73, 3YØK – Team
UPDATE – 05.03.2026 – 17:00 UTC
OPERATIONAL UPDATE
While many may have seen a notice about a SuperFox key being issued by the NCDXF, the team has decided Not to use SuperFox FT8 and will continue using F/H.
Here is a link to how to work stations on F/H
https://www.onallbands.com/using-the-ft8-dxpedition-mode…
The main points are to call above 1,000 and set the software to hound mode. Not really complicated, but many are calling below 1,000 and even on the 3Y0K TX frequency. They will never get a QSO and are clogging up the system.
3Y0K – Team
UPDATE – 04.03.2026 – 22:00 UTC
Bouvet Island March 2026 – Most Dangerous Island Operations
73 & good DX! Hadrian – YO2BTW
VIDEO – Credit: Chun
Montage – Remix – Music: Hadrian – YO2BTW
UPDATE – 04.03.2026
LOG Info
Our island team has completed the first log submission to Charles – M0OXO and ClubLog with a total of 11,921 QSOs (7,185 unique and 385 duplicates).
In CW, there were 2,885 QSOs (24.2%), SSB 2,213 (18.56%) and FT8 6,823 QSOs (57.24%).
Asia and Europe each account for over 30% of the contacts in the log so far.
You can view the log and use OQRS via this link:
https://www.m0oxo.com/oqrs/logsearch.php?dxcallsign=3y0k
M0OXO Log
Online OQRS check request feature and “NOT IN LOG” callsign check will be available shortly after the DX expedition.
Please do not send emails requesting log verification!
3Y0K – Team
UPDATE – 03/03/2026 – 14:45 UTC
3Y0K Bouvet
As of March 3, 14:45 UTC.
Finally, a nice sunny day here on the island. Both camps are safe and secure with 8 tents in total. One camp is located at the NA focus location.
Equipment is – 10 ICOM 7610 radios and 10 amps in the camps- ACOM 2020s,1400s & 500s.
We have antennas for all bands in the air except 10m. We are operating 4 stations now from 500W to 1 kW+. Two yagis for 20m + one for 17/12, 1 18m top-loaded 160m, 1 full size 80m verticals.
Tomorrow the 10m antennas will go up, with an another for 17/12.
Expect 160m every night as long as the antenna holds up. We do have spares!
Tonight we plan 160,80,40 & 30m.
Expected operation till March 18 or 20, weather dependent.
See you in the pileups,
James, KB2FMH Global pilot coordinator
UPDATE – 02/03/2026 – 17:15 UTC
Some photos from today, Credit: Chun
Credit: Chun
UPDATE – 02/03/2026 – 15:45 UTC
The NA camp is within 50 meters of the planned location on the mountain with very strong signals coming in last night, FT8 and CW.
The team is presently building antennas for 20, 30, 40 and 160 meters in the remaining 4 +/- hours of daylight.
Tomorrow more Yagis will go up and the KW amps will be utilized
Remember, the logistical conditions here change in an instant, and the team is doing their best to push ahead for the DX community.
The nasty comments will do nothing to change what is.
QRV will be posted when ready.
James – 3Y0K – Team
UPDATE – 02/03/2026 – 13:50 UTC
Please Note: Pirate Alert
There are No 3Y0K operators on the air at present.
They are working hard to build the QRO positions during extreme weather conditions.
Please be patient – when they are preparing to be QRV it Will be posted here.
As Of – March 2, 01:45 UTC
UPDATE – 02/03/2026 – 12:15 UTC
Live Broadcast: Team leaders have decided not to use live broadcast due to unreliable internet connections that were corrupting uploads. When the connection fails, the logs are blocked and can suddenly send false data upon restoration.
Pirates: Expedition piracy is a common problem, so the “work first, worry later” approach has become standard practice on any expedition, especially rare ones like Bouvet’s.
QRV Check: Please understand that the team is doing their best to operate a few small stations while continuing to set up camps in extremely difficult weather conditions. They are doing this to provide opportunities through digital and CW modes and will begin using SSB as soon as possible, with larger antennas and more power.
Pilot Communication: Since Starlink devices have not yet been deployed and we are focused on building the camps, our communications are dependent on an Iridium device which, due to its satellite-based nature, has been hampered by heavy cloud cover and constant rain.
Note: We, the group of pilots on the island, are just as frustrated as you are and cannot make up news to answer all your questions.
Here is the latest:
From the island at 12:00 UTC on March 2nd:
We have 16 people on the island setting up the camps. Five tents have been set up and food, fuel, radios, Yagi antennas, and amplifiers are being gathered.
Antennas will be set up today, March 2nd, and tomorrow, March 3rd. Please be patient; the weather is extremely challenging, but the team is working together to ensure we can provide you with reliable signals around the world.
We expect to have 4 or 5 stations up, QRO, by sunset.
The negativity on social media and comments about the group is not helping the DX community and we will continue to ignore those who just want to complain. More information will be provided as conditions improve.
Thank you, 3Y0K Team.
James Gallo, KB2FMH
Brooklyn, New York, USA
UPDATE – 28.02.2026 22:30 UTC
In the afternoon, as the weather improved, we began transporting supplies and personnel onshore. The first test flight took off at 17:02, followed by two more passenger rotations and three additional cargo trips, continuing until 19:05.
Unfortunately, I didn’t manage to get on the helicopter before sunset.
Tomorrow, we will continue moving the remaining supplies and personnel to the island, hoping for favorable weather.
Credit: Chun
UPDATE – 27.02.2026 18:30 UTC
Weather forecast for the next ~72 hours on Bouvet Island (Antarctica, territory of the Kingdom of Norway)
Here is a realistic 72-hour summary for Bouvet Island, focusing on storms, wind (average + gusts), and a practical assessment for helicopter operations from the vessel ARGUS (3Y0K DXpedition):
🌪️ General situation (very important)
- The area is under the influence of a persistent subantarctic storm regime
- Dominant winds: 30–60 km/h sustained, with gusts 60–75 km/h
- Sky: mostly overcast with mixed precipitation (snow, sleet, rain)
- No classic convective storms (non-tropical), but severe “oceanic storm” conditions
👉 Gusts frequently reach ~44 mph (~70 km/h)
👉 Typical wind range: 33–38 mph (53–61 km/h) with gusts up to ~75 km/h
📅 DAILY SUMMARY (72h)
🟥 Day 1 (Friday) – February 27, 2026
🌡️ Temp: ~0…+1°C (feels like -7°C)
🌧️ Precipitation:
- Light to moderate wintry showers / snow flurries
💨 Wind:
- Sustained: 50–55 km/h
- Gusts: 65–70 km/h
🌪️ Storm:
- Moderate (marine gale-like)
🚁 Helicopter: ❌ NOT recommended
- Gusts + turbulence + crosswinds
- Indirectly confirmed: vessel altered course to protect the helicopter
🟧 Day 2 (Saturday) – February 28, 2026
🌡️ Temp: ~0…+1°C
🌧️ Precipitation:
- Very limited (dry windows possible)
💨 Wind:
- Sustained: 25–45 km/h (decreasing during the day)
- Gusts: 50–65 km/h morning → ~40 km/h evening
🌪️ Storm:
- Temporary weakening
🚁 Helicopter: ⚠️ POSSIBLE (limited window)
- Best opportunity within the 72h period
Only if:
- gusts < ~50 km/h
- acceptable visibility
Likely window: afternoon / evening
🟨 Day 3 (Sunday) – March 1, 2026
🌡️ Temp: ~0…+3°C
🌧️ Precipitation:
- Continuous rain / sleet (60–95% probability)
💨 Wind:
- Sustained: 40–55 km/h
- Gusts: 60–70 km/h
🌪️ Storm:
- Re-intensification (active )
🚁 Helicopter: ❌ NOT possible
- Rain + gusts + poor visibility
🚁 Helicopter operational assessment (critical for DXpedition)
Typical maritime helicopter limits:
✔️ Ideal: < 30–35 km/h
⚠️ Limit: ~45–50 km/h
❌ Dangerous: > 55–60 km/h (gusts)
🧭 CLEAR CONCLUSION (for 3Y0K)
- Friday: impossible
- Saturday: 🟢 only real chance (short window)
- Sunday: impossible again
👉 This is a classic Bouvet scenario:
- days completely blocked
- followed by one short operational window
🔎 Important insight (practical, DX experience)
Even if wind decreases:
- ocean swell remains high
- coastal turbulence is severe
That’s why many DXpeditions:
- wait hours or even days for just 1–2 helicopter rotations
73, Adrian – YO2BTW
UPDATE – 25.02.2026
The ship is currently in an area with rough weather, and the estimated time of arrival is 6:00 a.m. Friday morning, local time. We have significantly reduced our speed, and there is no need to rush, as we are not missing any weather windows at this time. We are continuing with preparations and will be ready as soon as the weather permits.
73, Team 3YØK
UPDATE – 23.02.2026
The team is preparing for arrival at Bouvet, which, depending on several factors, will be either Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.
Everything is going well on board; the vessel handles very well at sea and has no trouble maintaining speeds of over 14 knots. The weather has been fantastic over the past two days, but we expect the sea conditions to worsen slightly tomorrow.
The team is in good condition; only a few people are experiencing seasickness, and our preparations are ongoing. We have refined the logistical approach, established a flight plan for the entire team to shore, and met with the pilots, the vessel crew, and the expedition team. We are all very united as a team and fully committed to this mission. We are evaluating various possible scenarios and analyzing and mitigating what we consider to be obvious risks. We are confident that the preparations we are making, based on our experience, will bring us one step closer to landing, and we will adapt as necessary. Being a robust, high-performance aircraft, the pilots have full confidence in this machine and state that it is the ideal choice for this operation.
We are publishing the following band plan, where our team will primarily focus on human modes, although digital modes are also planned.
We will publish more information as we deem necessary; the next update is expected once we are on the ground on the island.
73, The 3YØK Team
UPDATE – 22.02.2026
This is the team of operators currently aboard the vessel ARGUS, en route to Bouvet Island for the 3Y0K DXpedition.
According to the captain’s estimate, arrival is expected on February 26, 2026.
UPDATE – 21.02.2026 – 01:00 UTC
The great DXpedition begins – Bouvet 2026
ARGUS has been checked, fueled, the equipment has been loaded, and we are on our way to Bouvet. Later today, I will make some important announcements.
https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:156518
73, Adrian KO8SCA – Co-leader
Cape Town — 21 February 2026
The 3YØK team departed Cape Town this morning aboard the Danish registered vessel Argus from Icetugs, beginning the 1,500‑nautical‑mile transit to Bouvet Island.
Argus completed scheduled maintenance and survey work prior to her arrival in Cape Town, ensuring full readiness for the voyage. Earlier this week, the expedition helicopter was loaded, inspected, and secured on deck. Both the vessel and the aircraft have successfully passed all required inspections.
We appreciate the strong commitment demonstrated by the pilots, mechanic, expedition guides and vessel crew as we move forward together as one team to make this a successful expedition.
The captain and crew are performing excellently, and the team is enjoying good meals prepared by the ship’s chef.
Despite encountering rough seas during the first day at sea, preparations continue onboard as we expect to arrive at Bouvet on February 26th at approximately 08:00 local time.
Further updates regarding our band plans and DQRM strategy will be shared as we approach the island.
We extend our sincere thanks to all contributors for your continued support!
3Y0K Team.
UPDATE – 19.02.2026
Announcement of Withdrawal from the 3Y0K DX Expedition due to Malaria
With regret, I must announce that I am cancelling my participation in the long-planned Bouvet 3Y0K DX expedition.
During my stay in Cape Town, dormant malaria (Plasmodium ovale) became active — an infection I contracted in November 2025 during my previous expedition to Sierra Leone (9L8MD), despite strict antimalarial prophylaxis.
Even the very comprehensive medical examination I underwent before departure was unfortunately unable to detect dormant P. ovale in the liver until the moment of activation, which was accompanied by high fever, severe chills, and hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).
After emergency treatment in the intensive care unit in Cape Town, I was air repatriated to Vienna and then transported by ambulance to the University Hospital in Olomouc. The treatment will continue for several more weeks, and therefore my journey to Bouvet ends here.
Thank you for your support, and I wish the entire 3Y0K team good weather and as many QSOs as possible.
73, good luck,
Vlad OK2WX
UPDATE – 15.02.2026 – time: 20 UTC
Hello everyone,
This is Adrian – KO8SCA – co-leader. At 20:00 UTC I’ll be heading to the airport (New-York), bound for Cape Town, where Cezar – VE3LYC has already arrived together with other team members of the Bouvet 2026 DXpedition – 3Y0K.
We are full of enthusiasm, optimism, and great team spirit as we begin this adventure.
Wishing all of you success in DX — and we truly hope to work as many of you as possible on the air!
After February 18, 2026, I will send an important message to those from YO who have made donations for our DXpedition.
73 and see you in the pileups!
Adrain – KO8SCA
UPDATE – 06.02.2026
PIRATE ALERT!
There are reports of 3Y0K being spotted on some web clusters in FT8 mode – these are False. If you work those you are wasting time.
As previously stated, the Departure date has been delayed approximately two weeks. When the team is on the island there will be an official announcement, likewise when they are QRV, and the initial spots will come from the pilot or a team leader (if the internet is working) with verifiable calls.
Please do not work those spots and do not re-spot them – it will only give more people grief upon learning they were fooled.
Thanks..
James, KB2FMH
UPDATE – 02.02.2026
Argus has left Las Palmas just minutes ago !!!
UPDATE – MV ARGUS (IMO 7104752)
Argus has just departed Las Palmas minutes ago and is now en route to Cape Town, South Africa.
More updates as the voyage progresses.
UPDATE – 29.01.2026
CHALLENGES ARE NORMAL… AND ESSENTIAL
LOOKING TOWARD THE BOUVET ISLAND DXPEDITION – 3Y0K – WITH CONFIDENCE AND GOODWILL
How do we know how strong we truly are if we are never tested by real challenges? This is a question each of us answers many times throughout life.
As individuals, we all face challenges. As a team, we do as well.
Only through challenges can we understand if we are ready to move to the next level. When facing collective challenges, what matters most is staying true to what brought us together as a team.
The Bouvet Island DXpedition is one of the greatest tests for all of us involved. That is why we continue to fuel our team spirit with the values that unite us—and that lead us to success.
The Human Spirit is, and must remain, a powerful driver in any great endeavor. When it is constantly strengthened by team members, sponsors, supporters, friends, and families, that driver becomes stronger every day.
This is what defines our team: a powerful, coherent, transparent, and determined spirit—one destined to carry us into the world of incredible radio waves, to a place on Earth where human footsteps have been few.
We will be on Bouvet Island, as agreed and as the global amateur radio community deserves.
3Y0K is a dream ready to become reality—for all of us.
Adrian KO8SCA
Co-Leader, Bouvet Island DXpedition 2026
UPDATE – 26.01.2026
- [UPDATE] – by James, KB2FMH, Media & PR.
The journey begins! So far, three members of the 3Y0K operator team have met in Cape Town for the trip to Bouvet Island. After settling into their respective hotels, Donato IK2EGL, Guðmundur TF3SG and Vlad OK2WX met at the ZS1CT Amateur Radio Centre in Cape Town at the invitation of Paul, ZS1S.
Donato writes:
Paul invited us to visit and meet at the ZS1CT club in Cape Town. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet many local radio amateurs, all eager to support us during our stay. So many friendly and welcoming people. There is a flag that 3Y0Z (2018) donated to the club, which all the operators signed, leaving a historical legacy. Perhaps we’ll do the same?
We expect more of our operators to head here in the coming weeks, as we await the arrival of the ship after its necessary maintenance.
UPDATE – 25.01.2026
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the 3Y0K DXpedition to Bouvet Island will be delayed by approximately two weeks. Our vessel requires additional maintenance to ensure it is fully prepared for the demanding voyage to one of the most remote and challenging locations on Earth.
While this delay is disappointing, the safety of our team remains our highest priority. The adjustment does not change the overall strategy of the DXpedition, which has been carefully planned over the past three years.
We will continue to keep you informed as our schedule is updated.
73, 3YØK leadership
UPDATE – 22.01.2026
Preparations are complete. We are getting ready to depart. In one week, we will all be in Cape Town. Adrian – KO8SCA
UPDATE – 23.12.2025
Until the 27th, I’m really very busy until Christmas. You won’t believe it, but what takes up most of my time is… Bouvet.
73 de Cezar VE3LYC