Drama on the high seas

Our cruise was scheduled to visit a fifth port called Mystery Island. This is an idyllic sandy atoll located just off the coast of Aneityum, the southernmost island in the Vanuatu archipelago. However, shortly after leaving Luganville, this port call was cancelled when a passenger experienced a “medical incident” requiring urgent evacuation to a hospital.

Our boat initially diverted to Port Vila, but soon after announcing news of this unscheduled stop, the captain decided to sail directly to Noumea. As a result, we spent an extra day at sea before reverting to our original itinerary on Lifou Island. While disappointing, the diversion resulted in a second scenic transit through the narrow strait of Canal Woodin and along New Caledonia’s southern coast. 

The images above were taken during the more scenic parts of our diversion, while the map shows our subsequent return to schedule. The relocation route was a curious one. I suspect the captain was buying some time to ensure we didn’t arrive too early in Lifou.

The passenger transfer eventually took place just outside the entrance to Noumea harbour. It was fascinating to watch it unfold. The captain turned the ship so that its gangway entrance on Level 2 was sheltered from the prevailing wind. He then held this position using the ship’s bow and stern thrusters. This skilful manoeuvre resulted in remarkably calm waters forming alongside the vessel. 

The patient was then evacuated by wheelchair using a temporary pontoon platform normally reserved for tender transfers. In a final touching gesture, passengers like myself who’d watched the drama unfold spontaneously applauded as the Noumea Coastguard rescue boat pulled away.

Garry and I had originally booked a cultural excursion to a local Melanesian village on Aneityum. However, after regularly quizzing our guides on earlier excursions, I don’t think we’ve missed much regarding tribal life in Vanuatu. The cruise company subsequently refunded our excursion fees. We’re not complaining. This credit all but covered the cost of a spa treatment we enjoyed earlier in the cruise.

During the diversion to Noumea, we experienced our own “medical incident”. As we returned from breakfast we were greeted by our cabin attendant. He explained that a rather bedraggled, sickly looking, seabird had been found on our balcony. A quick Google search confirmed it was a White-tailed Tropicbird. They're easily identified by a slim tail feather that extends almost three times the length of their body.

A short time later, the ship’s “bird man” arrived. He scooped the forlorn bird into his hands and removed it from our balcony. However, I have no idea what happened next. Although, as Garry rightly noted, “The guy’s hardly going to wring its neck in front of passengers.” A fair point.