Once secure at anchor I prepared for going overboard to clear the propeller. Meanwhile, with Rob’s help Rompi now had a fix on my position and was on his way out to me in a boat. I decided to wait therefore, until he arrived before getting into the water.
Rompi’s boat arrived alongside at 1530. He had several crew with him and when I explained what had happened, he arranged for two of his crew to dive in and clear my propeller. I got into the water as well, to check there was no visible damage to the propeller, or to the rudder and underwater hull; and I was very relieved to see no signs of any damage.
It did not take long for Rompi’s guys to clear the propeller. Rompi then told me I would have to move Shahna Bacal down to the south end of the bay close to the town where he had a couple of mooring buoys. Once fast to one of these buoys he would then take my fuel containers ashore for refilling, and return them to me. It was a shame he didn’t tell me this when we spoke in the morning as I entered the port!
I checked over the engine, primed the fuel system, and fearing the worst, I turned the ignition key – and was very relieved (again!) when it started. I tested the engine ahead and astern, and checked the stern seal for leaks. As everything appeared to be fine, I then set about raising the anchor.
Rompi and two of his crew remained on board to help me, and I let Rompi ‘drive’ whilst I kept a close eye on the engine, gearbox and stern seal as we slowly increased speed. There were no problems and I said a quiet thank you to Yanmar for installing load cut-outs on the engine!
Shahna Bacal was all fast to one of Rompi’s mooring buoys at 1745. The buoy was about 20 metres off the sea wall but Rompi assured me there was plenty of water for the boat to swing around on the mooring. He and his crew then departed with my 10 fuel containers, to get me an extra 200 litres of diesel (18 litres in each of my 10 containers plus a further 20 litres).
Rompi and his crew returned at 1915 with my fuel, and helped me stow my fuel containers on the deck. They then left me to go ashore to enjoy their Friday night. From my mooring I could see the bright flashing lights of the local night spots and hear the disco music. For me however, it had been a long and exciting day, and I turned in shortly after they left.
I was very relieved to know that there was nothing wrong with the engine and propeller, and pleased that I would be able to continue my voyage to Darwin in the morning. My worst fears not having been realised, I slept well …
