This leg from the Wessel Islands to Thursday Island has been a true test of patience and resilience. As some of you may recall, we had to make an unscheduled stop in Hopeful Bay to address some engine issues. We got back underway shortly after dark and made good progress for the first 24 hours, thanks to a lucky break with calmer winds.
But then, of course, things took another turn. Last night, the starboard engine – yes, the same one that caused our haul out – started vibrating. My heart sank, expecting the engine room to be a scene of oily carnage. Thankfully, that wasn't the case. The culprit? We were completely stumped. I ran through the usual suspects in my head, but everything seemed improbable given the engine's recent history.
Daylight brought a new strategy. Since I tend to get into trouble for dangling off the boat unsupervised (and let's be honest, crocs are still a possibility here!), I waited for Rhona to wake up before tackling the problem. With both engines shut down and the sails furled, I did my best to contort myself overboard with a GoPro in hand, hoping to get a glimpse of the propeller. Sure enough, my suspicions were confirmed – something was wrapped around it. Never before have I been so thrilled to see fishing net wrapped around a propeller! When I get this off we can keep on making miles.
Here's the kicker: what are the chances that the troublesome engine would be the one to snag something? Murphy's Law strikes again! Driven by a mix of determination and sheer terror I jumped over board to unfoul the prop when a 12-foot saltwater croc decided to make a wild lunge directly at me! I leapt out of the water almost screaming with terror and looked around at the shadow of the boat in the water. Phew!
Working underwater on a wave-tossed boat while battling wind and keeping an eye out for toothy predators (or in this case, overly enthusiastic shadows) is no easy feat. I was armed with a knife for self defence and a pair of scissors for the fishing net. Let me tell you, it takes more than a little know-how to be the "amazing man"! Thankfully, after what felt like an eternity, the net was finally free.
This whole experience reminded me of a time in the Solomons when I inquired about crocs in a remote bay. The local chuckled and said, "Don't you worry, mate. The only croc you gotta worry about is the one you can't see." I said, "Well, I don't see one now...". Let's just say that encounter adds a whole new layer of meaning to that saying!
We're still pressing on towards Thursday Island, a little worse for wear but with spirits high and all my appendages still intact.
