Storm at Sea

Captain’s Log, October  26th: A sea day, and a very unpleasant one. The ship went through a storm with occasional force 10 winds, and meant that most passengers stayed in their cabins much of the time. The lounges were open early on, but the pitching of the ship caused chairs and tables to move, leading to a few minor injuries, so we had to close them.
Lunchtime was a nightmare. Many passengers wanted room service, but we had to cancel that, as it was too dangerous to have our staff walking around with trays of food. The dining rooms were open, but the kitchens were unable to operate the ovens in these circumstances, so all we could offer was salads of various types.

But that wasn’t the worst thing that happened. In mid-afternoon, the storm had eased, and I thought all is well, when I got news that one of the lifeboats had become loose from its davit. I personally went to the scene, just as the lifeboat broke away altogether, and dropped into the sea. But worst of all, as we watched it go by in the wake of the ship, with the waves crashing around it, it suddenly disappeared. It must have sunk like a stone. It’s somewhat alarming to have this sort of thing happen, and best not made public, but unfortunately a number of passengers witnessed the incident. I ordered a check of the davits and cables holding the other lifeboats in place, and have now been assured they are all in order, after a small welding job. I contacted Mrs Negibi about the sinking of the lifeboat, but she assured me it must be a “one-off” as all lifeboats were checked and inspected last year, by a trusted contractor in Gamalia, owned by her cousin. That was a relief to hear, but of course we do now need to acquire another lifeboat.