Aitcho_Islands_(South_Shetland_Islands)
Aitcho Islands (South Shetland Islands)
Minor island group in Antarctica
The Aitcho Islands (‘Aitcho’ standing for ‘H.O.’ i.e. ‘Hydrographic Office’) are a group of minor islands on the west side of the north entrance to English Strait separating Greenwich Island and Robert Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, which are situated between Dee Island to the south and Table Island to the north.[1][2] The group is separated from Dee Island and Sierra Island to the southwest by Villalón Passage (62°24′48.3″S 59°46′12.3″W).[citation needed] The area was visited by early 19th century sealers operating from nearby Clothier Harbour.[citation needed] During the austral summer the islands are often visited by Antarctic cruise ships with tourists who land to watch wildlife.[3]
The islands were mapped in 1935 during the oceanographic investigations carried out by the Discovery Committee, and named after the Hydrographic Office of the UK Admiralty.[1] Some of the island names were given by Chilean Antarctic expeditions between 1949 and 1951.[citation needed]
