Crossing the Atlantic
Vol. 1,No 14
At Sea
It’s been over a day and a half since we’ve left port.
We are carrying about 55% of cargo capacity and that equates to about 6000 tons. (we can carry 12000 tons)It appears to be more, but that’s what the captain is telling us. We had our Abandon-ship Drill earlier in the day. I had to lower my Boat No.4 to the Embarkation deck as per Quarterly regulations. The weather was relentless with high winds from the south and over cast skies. The seas were about 12-15 feet. The ship hunkers along at a measly pace of 18 knots. I could see waves breaking on the sides, up forward. Spray would engulf some of the cargo that lies, on deck. We had welcomed the “Super cargo Personnel”(SCP) which essentially are soldiers that are mechanics over seeing the cargo while on the voyage. They may check on oil leaks and lashings, while in transit.
Some of the SCP guys have never been to sea. Most of them have seen some kind of conflict abroad, but on land. I can only imagine some of the soldiers turning in their bunks, ready to get sea sick as a result of this most recent sea state. Sea State is the condition of the ocean, at present. And it isn’t all that great. Lightning everywhere and high gusts of windin excess of 40 mph (36knots). My watch standers make the night “rounds” and check on doors to make sure they’re secured tight, as well as anything in the crew’s “messes” (read dining room). No one is up at night so I am the only eyes available and having a watchful eye ahead using the Radars and binoculars.
There is not all that much else going on…
Have a great one
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.