British same-sex couple tie the knot in historic Antarctica wedding

Two British sailors who’ve traveled the globe collectively for 20 years tied the knot Sunday in a historic Antarctica marriage ceremony. 

Eric Bourne and Stephen Carpenter stated “I do” aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough, a polar analysis ship on its maiden voyage in Antarctica. Bourne and Carpenter are the primary same-sex couple to wed within the British Antarctic Territory, the biggest of the U.Okay.’s 14 abroad territories. 

“Antarctica is such an unimaginable place,” Carpenter stated in an announcement issued by his and Bourne’s employer, the British Antarctic Survey, the U.Okay.’s nationwide polar analysis institute. “It felt like the right place for us to lastly tie the knot! We’ve even had the coordinates of the marriage location engraved into our rings.”

The ceremony was held on the ship’s helideck overlooking the Antarctic Peninsula, with mountain peaks and icebergs in view. Captain Will Whatley officiated, and the newlyweds shared their huge day with the 30-member crew. 

“It was such an honor to be officiating Eric and Steve’s marriage ceremony. The RRS Sir David Attenborough isn’t solely our workplace but additionally our dwelling, and it’s a privilege to assist two integral members of our crew have a good time their special occasion,” Whatley stated in an announcement. “I’m very pleased with the inclusive tradition throughout the British Antarctic Survey and throughout the Polar Areas. I’m thrilled for them each and need all of them the easiest.”

The couple may have a reception with the entire roughly 100 staffers of the Rothera Analysis Station, the biggest British Antarctic facility, when the ship returns for its closing name on Might 8.

In addition they plan to have a good time with their household and pals in Spain later this 12 months.

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