RRS Sir David Attenborough crew members Eric Bourne and Stephen Carpenter are now the first same-sex couple ever married in the British Antarctic Territory on April 24, The Maritime Executive noted.
The Maritime Executive noted that the longtime couple have been together for 20 years and have worked together aboard a variety of vessels, according to the British Antarctic Survey.
They decided to get married in Antarctica when Carpenter joined the Attenborough's crew, and Rothera Research Station seemed like the ideal place. Capt. Will Whatley performed the service, and the wedding was registered with the government of the territory.
Speaking to the PA news agency, Bourne said he is "proud to be part of history," saying it was "the best day" of his life, according to MSN. They met in December 2002 while working for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and later deployed to the Middle East onboard RFA Sir Percivale.