Nanunanu to Makongai

Clive Carrington-Wood

An interesting day! Setting off in flat calm conditions, motoring through beautiful scenery, until CRUNCH! 34m on the echo sounder, nothing on the chart but a clear warning of uncharted pinnacles. Well guess what? Yes, we found one of the uncharted pinnacles and stopped dead from 6½ Kts. Sternboard away from the hazard. Once clear stop engines and check for damage. Two crew members injured. Chris Kinsman at the wheel, flung forward and cracked his nose on the plotter causing considerable blood loss. He also bent his thumb back on the wheel causing further pain. Libby Norris, facing aft in the companionway, was flung backwards onto the deck in the saloon, banging her head and injuring her neck. A quick dive revealed damage to the forefoot of the keel, ripping back the GRP casing to reveal the iron core. Ensuing phone calls identified hauling out facilities at Nawi Marina, SavuSavu, which was out following destination anyway. Not wishing to negotiate reefs and arrive in the dark, we continued the intended passage to Makongai to anchor overnight before proceeding on. No telephone or internet connectivity at the anchorage so nothing further achieved that day. Injured parties tended to as best as possible and early supper / early to bed offered rest needed by all.