Two RRS Sir David Attenborough crew members have become the first same-sex couple to marry in the British Antarctic Territory. Stewards Eric Bourne and Stephen Carpenter, 41 and 49, have been together for 20 years and were married by Will Whatley, the ship’s captain, at the British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station.
Mr Bourne said he is “proud to be part of history”, saying it was “the best day” of his life. “To say it was amazing is an understatement. It was an unforgettable day.”
As part of the RRS Sir David Attenborough’s catering team, the pair began their day at 5.30am in the ship’s galley, where they prepared for the ceremony. Then, with the sun shining, they gathered alongside the ship’s crew and teams from Rothera Research Station to tie the knot.
