Sinking DEI

So impressed with the Samoan's numerous canoes and their excellent skills in handling them, French Admiral Louis de Bougainville named their homeland in 1768 the Navigator Islands.

Two hundred fifty-six years later, on a Saturday afternoon early this month, my Samoan friends were on the south coast beach having a dress rehearsal barbecue for the imminent visit by King Charles, Queen Camilla and all the heads of the Commonwealth for the CHOGM meeting. 

Like most Samoans, my friends have more than a passing knowledge of things maritime, and they observed this high-sided ship, very close to the “lee” shore with a strong breeze, slowly moving as is required for hydrographic duties. A “lee” shore is where the wind blows the ship towards the shore. Experienced sailors, from small yachts to big ships, know that you stay well clear of a lee shore.

Boating 1.0.1 says to stay clear of solid lumps like rocks, reefs, etc., which the captain of this vessel should have done.

During my four years of training at sea, navigation and seamanship were critical elements of ship safety. On my particular ship, a passenger-cargo ship trading between Australia and the South Pacific, we had to stay two miles off the land, rocks, or small outcrops.

If it was a “lee shore,” the captain would make it three miles. This would give the engineers time to restart the engine in case of a power failure, as we had backup fuel pumps, air starts, cooling systems, etc. 

Avalanched with calls from friends and media to give commentary on this NZ ship grounding, I kept my opinion to myself until I found out the facts.

Brace yourselves readers!

Did it run aground because of a female skipper?