Current Position!!!!
17.04.296 S and 179.06.404 E
What a great day it is!!
We were in Savusavu Fiji waiting for our paperwork to go through to be able to visit the unspoiled area of the Lau Group in Fiji. Few people get to visit this group of islands in Fiji mainly because the islanders do not want Europeans and Westerners to spoil their way of life. You actually need an invitation to be able to sail there.
Early in the morning, Tuesday we were awoke by a thundering crash to the boat. I was up and forward in a flash. What a blessing it was, the hole is above the waterline. There was a gapping 3' x 1' hole ripped in the bow of the main hull! A small fishing boat has ran head on into Elysium. A week later we are repaired and leaving dock.
As we were leaving the dock, the gearbox wouldn't go in forward or reverse..
After a quick pulling of the engine out, We found that the damper plate is damaged and the gearbox is fine.
OK, yes, is was a terrible accident but I feel very strong that in every case even in bad situations, there is a very positive outcome. I am very blessed and Thank God for all of his blessings on my voyage.
We ordered the new part from California via internet and Skipe, and sailed off the dock headed for Namena Island to wait for the part to be shipped in. Namena Island is part of the Lomaiviti Island group which is located between the two main Fijian islands of Viti Levu and Venua Levu. Namena MPA encompasses the entire reef around Namena island. We are now diving in one of the most popular places in Fiji, a world class dive spot to say the least! We also were invited aboard MV NAI'A, a local dive tour operator live a board dive boat for a kava ceremony and drinks. The Captain also gave us many dive site coordinates to find by the GPS. Today the Fiji Aggressor pulled in as well.
We are diving 2 dives per day sometimes 3. SV Seeker is anchored close to us and has been diving with us as well...
The Namena MPA is home to over 1,000 species of interbrates, 400 known corals and 445 documented marine plants. Namena is a migratory pathway for whale species, including bottlenose and spinner dolphins, minke, pilot, sperm and humbacks. Namena also provides nesting beaches for green turtles as well as hawksbills. Fiji has 4 of the worlds 7 marine turtle species, all of which are endangered. Namena also has 3 kinds of sea snakes and the Island is a major seabird nesting site, with approximately 600 pairs of protected red-footed boobies.
Our part for the engine should be in Savusavu in a few days. We plan to head back to Savusavu to pick up our part install and complete repairs and get underway headed for Taveuni and the Lau Group.
After the Lau Group we will start headed towards Vanuatu Islands.
Thx for following the adventures of Elysium and Captain Louis!
Captain Louis
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1 comment:
It is nice to see that your faith in God never waivers. All the best to you and your adventure!! Thanks for the lat and long. xo
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