NZ14907 Possession Islands

The chart number NZ14907, titled "Possession Islands," refers to a group of nine islands and islets located in the Ross Sea, Antarctica. These islands form a remote, uninhabited archipelago that is administered under the Antarctic Treaty System, although they are claimed by New Zealand as part of the Ross Dependency.

Location Details

• Coordinates: Approximately 71°56′S 171°10′E.
• Vicinity: The islands are situated about 4 miles (6.4 km) off the north-eastern coast of Victoria Land and south of Cape McCormick.
• NZ14907 Chart: This chart, published by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), specifically maps the region of the Southern Ocean and Ross Dependency, with a scale of 1:60,000.

Key Features

• The group spans an area of about 7 nautical miles (13 km) and includes features ranging from small rocks to larger islands.
• The two main islands are:
  • Possession Island: The northernmost and largest of the group.
  • Foyn Island: The second largest island.
• The islands are volcanic in origin and are renowned for their significant Adélie penguin colonies.
• Historically, the islands were the site of one of the first landings in the Antarctic region. On January 12, 1841, Captain James Clark Ross of the Royal Navy planted the British flag and claimed possession for the British Sovereign.

This detailed chart is an essential resource for navigation and exploration in the Southern Ocean and Ross Dependency region.