Anchored off Fakarava Atoll.

Today the Maasdam was at anchor and tendering to the beautiful atoll of  Fakarava. 

Paul and I were going to get off the ship after lunch but as we were waiting for the tender - there was an emergency call on the PA system.  Paul thought it was the planned emergency drill but telephoned the bridge, just in case.  It wasn't and so our plans to go ashore went out to sea.  Paul and I headed upstairs to deck 10.  After a few minutes I left Paul with the medical team and first-aid back-up teams.  Despite working tirelessly, the person's life spirit left this earth, RIP.  Staff who helped were very dignified and respectful.  The ship's florist had to move his flowers from the morgue to another cold room.  There was difficulty in keeping the fridge door shut so Paul ended up having to jam it shut, somehow, so that the body wouldn't do a runner on us.  Well, it wouldn't have got very far - to the locked morgue door!

Route to our next destination.

The medical emergency put a spanner in the works, so to speak, to go ashore for an hour or so but I have no regrets not going.  A person's life is more important, and I know that one day I may get to back to Fakarava again. 

Dinner was a bit of a subdued affair as we reflected on how precious life is. 

Our next tender port is Taioha'e, Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia.

PHOTOGRAPHS