Day 1 Position Report 18 52S 159 48W 1600CIT

Mark_needler
Professional Skipper
Thu 1 Sep 2011 01:22
There Crew on board for this trip are 1st Mate Ian Karika, Crew Joe and yours truly as the Captain/ Skipper.
 
Ian and Joe are conducting a sea bird survey in the Northern group of Cook Islands, more specifically
Departed Aitutaki, Cook Islands. Manihiki, Penrhyn, Manihiki to refuel, Rakahanga, Pukapuka, Nassau Suwarrow and then back to Aitutaki.
 
The biggest Islands are Manihiki and Penrhyn so will am to get those finished first before we head for a refuel and continue on our trip.
 
Report on the first day out as follows:
We had quite a hectic night Rough seas following and hit stern quarter we have the boat heavily listing to port. Large amounts of water is getting over the guard rail and I have now ordered everyone on deck in lifejackets to find out where the water is coming from and to get rid of it as soon as possible. I have slowed the boat down and we are heading into the prevailing seas. 
 
Ian and Joe have found the source of our water ingress problem, it water coming in through the sides of the fish box in the middle of the boat. It took approximately 75 mins of a 2000 GPH bilge pump to remove all the water. We then started steaming at 5 knts heading back to Aitutaki to effect repairs. All save and sound if a little tired.
 
Arrive back into Aitutaki Harbor and will carry out a clean up and repairs in the morning!!
 
Ian and I are hoping to get all the work done in this week so that we can get on with the Sea Bird Survey.
 
Aitutaki