Several
weeks ago, I heard some very distressing news. During the worst
days of Hurricane Mitch, the sailing Schooner Fantome, flagship
of Windjammer Cruises, was lost at sea with all hands on board.
The skipper, after hearing the forecasts of the impending storm
had dropped off all the passengers safely in a port in Mexico
and then headed back out to sea to weather the storm ; away from
the lee shore. Unfortunately, the forecasts underestimated the
severity of the storm and the vessel apparently foundered and
sunk. The last radio contact from the Fantome reported that they
were in 60 foot seas and clocking winds in excess of 120 Knots.
As was to be expected, everyone is suing the Windjammer Cruise
Line; sighting poor judgment on the part of the ship's master.
It really doesn't matter that he did the proper thing by trying
to weather the storm safely away from dangerous shores. Certainly,
had the Captain been correctly advised as to the intensity of
the storm he could have made the proper judgement not to jeopardize
his crew and remain secure at the dock. I guess hindsight, even
through binoculars and radar at sea, just like everywhere else,
is 20/20.
Besides the loss of a marvelous ship and it's crew, this tragedy
touched me in a more personal way. Two years ago, my wife and
I spent our honeymoon sailing on the Fantome. This proud and majestic
Four-master was a throw-back to the time when schooners reigned
the oceans. As a young boy, I read And dreamed about sailing on
such a schooner. Standing in line with my mates, hauling on a
halyard To raise one of the many great canvas sails. Feeling the
great boat lift and gallop on the waves with the Wind abeam. Everytime
we raised the sails on the Fantome, they played "Amazing
Grace". I started doing
The same thing on board my Morgan 41' ketch . Everytime we raised
the main, I played the same version Of "Amazing Grace"
and for a short moment the coast of Somer's Point, New Jersey
became Playa Del Carmen and over the horizon was Cozumel, not
Atlantic City. One of the great moments for me on board The Fantome
occurred one cloudy night. The skipper was on radar watch and
invited me into the Navigation room. He offered me a mug of coffee
and a fresh Cuban cigar. We swapped sea stories, Comparing who
had seen the tallest wave or been in the worst weather. Since
we both had been delivery Captains, we had seen our share the
ocean at it's worst. (and at it's best). The moment surpassed
even my Wildest childhood dreams. I can still taste and smell
the coffee and cigar in my mind. I close my eyes and Feel the
gentle roll of this great ship. It reminds me how fleeting these
important moments are in life. It reminds me of how lucky I am
that my boyhood dream came true that night in Mexico. It reminds
me of How quickly the warm and loving hand of nature can turn
angry and violent. Just like the master of the Fantome, I can
do everything by the book to protect myself, my family and my
ship….and still go down. The loss of this incredible vessel
reminds me how precious and momentary life really is. My heart
goes Out to the families of the crew. My sincerest feeling of
commiseration goes out to the Windjammer Cruise People who probably
had no part in the tragedy, but will suffer through the loss nonetheless.
And to the Fantome I say, lie in peace my friend, on the ocean
floor, knowing that the hearts and minds of everyone Who sailed
on you are with you tonight.
To everyone who has shared in Ask the Surveyor over the past
year, I send you wishes of fair skies,
Gentle breezes and a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.
Rob