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Jan 09, 2007: Escaping a Chinese tanker

23°C / 73°F

Position:22° 09' 0" N-23° 39' 3" W

Wind: 28km/h

Today, we had to change our course southwards in order to escape a collision with a Chinese tanker – and this, in the middle of the immense ocean, after not having seen another boat for several days and nights.

Early in the morning, at sunrise, the daily morning bells are ringing: The little lead weights of David’s plankton collection funnels make „kling kling“. Skipper Mark stops our brave engines. He brings the boat into the most suitable position so that David can collect his samples from the depth of about 100 to 150 feet.

David’s enthusiasm is unbroken. The following meticulous microscope research lasts up to three hours, hard work for the eyes considering the conditions on a dancing boat. He discovers new wonders almost every day. Fortunately, he is not stingy in sharing them with his comrades.

Today, the sea is a little bit less wild but there are still high waves lifting the boat once in a while. In the late afternoon, our captain Michel – nothing escapes him – notices a monstrous Chinese tanker. This ghost boat – no person is visible through the binoculars – are they all watching TV? – has taken exact course towards us and approaches us at a considerable speed. And indeed, just a mile before it overruns us, we have to change our course southwards in order to escape a collision – and this, in the middle of the immense ocean, after not having seen another boat for several days and nights. Now, just before sunset, we watch dolphins again throwing themselves high up in the evening sky.
Speed: 4,5 knots.
Waves, partially crossed sea, up to 2 m.
Humidity: 58 %.

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