Terrorists and Storms
CARANGO AMEL 54 #035
PETER and VICKY FORBES
Tue 20 Sep 2016 10:47
| It all happens here on the Indian Ocean. Carango was radio net controller today and we stayed listening out to support an American yacht who did not want to be left out of instant communication. They were close to a number of questionable motorised long boats which could have been fishing but were not behaving like fishing boats. So we kept our radio on in support and offered to sail back to them to support. After two hours the American yacht was clear of the unusual boats and happy to continue not under continual radio monitoring. Then we suddenly noticed a long boat crewed by 3 back men close in on us from astern.  They come within 100 yards or so of us and stayed there on station for some minutes so. We rehearsed the locations of our base ball bats and pyrotechnics on board in preparation and showed ourselves - 4 large men. We then broke out a British flag and to our relief they waved and continued on their way. Before we had much time to think about that a substantial Tropical storm began to show to our North. Radar on and we tracked its progress South and there was no doubt that it was due to be on us within about 30 minutes. Carango was prepared fully for storm conditions and we braced our selves - torrential rain ensued.  A few minutes later we were in it.   The sea was beaten flat by the downpour but the wind increased but never beyond 25 knots.Carango performed magnificently with total security and shook herself free without a scintilla of risk. We enjoyed our first encounter with Indian Ocean weather in fine form. A very good training exercise. As the Australians, our new best friends, would say - “NO WORRIES Mate”. |