Programs Blog

Author: Nathalie Kerrigan, A Watch, Occidental College

Ship’s Log

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Noon Position (Lat and Long): 17º13.500’S 179º13.700’E

Ship Heading (degrees): 155º

Log (nm): 378.1

Weather / Wind: E force 5 winds / E 4ft waves / mostly sunny with cumulus clouds

Description of Location: Anchored at Dere Bay off the coast of Koro Island

 Hi friends and family! We have made it to our second survey site: Dere Bay in Koro Island! Our morning started with some yummy breakfast sandwiches (thank you Brooke and Natalie!) and then I clipped on my harness because A watch (slay watch!) was on morning watch. I manned the helm and Captain Rebecca set our course for Koro Island. As I steered the boat, my other watch-mates set the sails, completed boat checks (boaties) and sat on lookout. With the wind in our faces and sea spray on our backs, it was hard to ignore the Pirates of the Caribbean music that played in my head.

We reached Koro Island in the afternoon. We set the anchor and some of the crew with our Professor and TA Alex sent off in the small boat to visit the village on the island. They brought kava as a gift for SavuSavu and asked permission from the village to snorkel on their reef for our research projects. While they were at the island, one of the mates Ryan was left in charge. As we sat in the main saloon his voice was suddenly heard over the speakers, “Ding-dong! Since the Captain is gone, I’m in charge so there will be a swim call in 10 minutes.” We all scrambled to put our swim suits on and rushed over to the bow sprit. We spent the late afternoon swimming in Fiji’s beautiful blue waters. Just as Ryan was closing the ‘pool’, a small boat was spotted coming our way. It was the rest of our crew! And they came bearing good news. The village said yes! So we will start our snorkel surveys tomorrow. The village also invited all of us to the island on Thursday and we are all super excited. I wonder what solid ground will feel like after about a week at sea.

Exciting energy surged through the boat as the sun set behind us. But as night approached, so did a small canoe. We had visitors from the village, and they came to say hello. We told the Captain and our visitors got permission to come on board, they even brought us a huge sack of coconuts! As I drank fresh coconut water and gazed at the Southern constellations, I’m reminded that I am so incredibly lucky to have this experience.

Sending love and smoosh to Mama, Dada and Jack. I hope you’re not missing me too much! Tell all the aunties, uncles and friends that I’m doing well but missing them very much! I can’t wait to see you all soon.

Best fishes!

Nathalie Kerrigan, A Watch, Occidental College