Artur Chilingarov, a distinguished Russian polar explorer, scientist, researcher and statesman, passed away on 1 June 2024, in his 85th year. His contributions to the exploration, development and study of the Arctic are immeasurable. Throughout his extensive and productive career, Artur Nikolayevich participated in numerous unique Arctic expeditions, authored over 50 books and scientific papers, played a role in rescuing the icebreaker Mikhail Somov trapped in ice, addressed the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, served as a State Duma deputy and fostered international relations in the Polar regions. His memorial service was attended by hundreds, including high-ranking state officials. 

Artur Nikolayevich was born on 25 September 1939 in Leningrad. He spent his early years first in besieged Leningrad and later in evacuation in Kazakhstan. In 1963, he graduated from the Arctic Department of the Leningrad higher Engineering Marine School named after Admiral S.O. Makarov with a degree in Oceanic Engineering. Subsequently, he moved to Tiksi where he worked as a meteorologist for two years until 1965. Simultaneously, Chilingarov began his political career as the first secretary of the Bulunsky District Committee of the All-Union Leninist Communist League of Youth in the Yakut ASSR. His life journey is marked by remarkable energy and an ability to blend statecraft with scientific pursuits. Artur Nikolayevich never abandoned fieldwork; he led the Severny Polyus-19 drifting station, earned the Hero of the Soviet Union title for his role in rescuing the icebreaker Mikhail Somov, and commanded the Sibir icebreaker 1987 North Pole expedition. Later, as a State Duma deputy in 1999, Artur Nikolayevich oversaw Mi-26 helicopter trials in extreme northern conditions and led the Arktika-2007 expedition. He also played an active role internationally; since 2008, he served as the Special Representative of the Russian President for International Cooperation in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Friends and colleagues often noted Artur Nikolayevich's composure and consistent optimism even in challenging situations. Moreover, many perilous and complex incidents in his life were marked by humorous occurrences. For instance, during the SP-19 expedition, an iceberg began to crack beneath the polar explorers. Rescue efforts were necessary to save people and equipment from fissures, relocate tents and continue scientific observations. The wardroom was left hanging over a six-metre drop into an icy abyss. It was on the verge of collapsing—tensions among the crew were escalating. At that critical moment, All-Union radio started broadcasting voices of scientists' wives and children during a radio meet-up. Music began to play. For Chilingarov, his Armenian relatives had requested 'Ah Serun, Serun...', but it was deemed unsuitable for the heroic broadcast by party officials.

During the Mikhail Somov icebreaker rescue operation, Artur Chilingarov narrowly avoided being swept overboard during an evening inspection. He miraculously managed to grab onto a handrail and hold on as the deck slipped away beneath him. He later recounted that it took him a long time to relax his fingers, which had cramped up from an adrenaline surge. However, this life-threatening risk proved worthwhile when it was discovered during that shift that stormy seas were gradually loosening the helicopter fuel tank fastenings. Without securing them, the expedition would have been futile since only the Mi-8 helicopter could locate the stranded vessel. Artur Chilingarov timely secured the fuel tanks, quickly moving them to a safer upper deck.

Meanwhile, Artur Chilingarov continued to calmly navigate ships and even dive underwater—in 2007 he was the first to descend to the seabed at the North Pole's geographical point, earning him the Hero of Russia title. However, he was not particularly fond of flying—in 1974, a Li-2 aircraft snagged on a hummock during takeoff and began to plummet, violently tossing people and cargo inside the cabin. Artur Nikolayevich himself carried detonators which would have destroyed the aircraft before impact had there been a catastrophic crash. Eventually, the crew managed to escape and spent over a day stranded on ice completely cut off from civilisation.

Chilingarov uniquely embodied a scientist, a stern polar explorer and a statesman all in one. According to Alexander Makarov, Director of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, Artur Nikolayevich excelled at tackling seemingly insurmountable challenges. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov remarked that with Chilingarov's passing, Russian diplomats lost a friend and ally who had been instrumental in advancing the country's foreign policy interests since the 1980s. Nikolay Patrushev, Aide to the President of Russia, noted that many of Russia's achievements in the Arctic can be attributed to Artur Chilingarov's professionalism, dedication and heroism.

'Significant achievements in developing the Arctic and enhancing Russia's Arctic regions' navigation along the North Sea Route and globally recognised scientific research outcomes at both Antarctica and the North Pole are credited to Chilingarov's professionalism, dedication and heroism,' he emphasised during an interview with RIA-Novosti. Russian President Vladimir Putin described Artur Chilingarov as a 'legendary figure,' an eminent scientist and a genuine patriot.

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