Medical Sailing Ministries Mission 4 Update

They arrived at Ambae Island on Saturday afternoon.  The medical team went ashore to set up for the survey work, and also for some to prepare to sleep on the island

This is the galley in the Chimere.  To feed 15 crew and medical staff. So next time you comment of the lack of room in your kitchen .......

The Misses relaxing. Annette did suffer from a bit of seasickness on the way to Ambae. She is wearing a couple of wristbands that should help her overcome the seasickness.  

The "office" on the Chimere

View from the Chimere towards Lolowai Village on Ambae Island , day one of the survey for the medical team of the Chimere and medical work

Wider view of the island of Ambae

This is Rob Latimer (the Boss) holding a Tuna fish head, they caught the tuna fishing off the Chimere.  Annette used tuna from this fish on her first night on board to cook the evening meal.

Covers are up to enable the hatches to be left open, and provide shade .  While Annette did not say so I imagine they need the ventilation going through with 15 on the boat 

So with any form of transport, maintenance is needed. The engine is only used when there is no wind or if in port. Out on the open seas that is why they have sails :-)

Here they are replacing the alternator. I remarked to Annette that this reminds me of the Bedford lorry we travelled on across Africa, when we had a few breakdowns.

I thought I would cheer Annette up and show her the weather forecast for the next day or so in Torba (that is the province name for the group if islands that they are about to enter)

The deck awash with rain water. The drainage plugs are in to catch the water to put into the on board fresh water tanks.

Today it is raining, but they have the use of the hospital at Lolowai. Note the water tank to catch the rain for drinking.  Vitally important in the islands, provides a good supply should there be massive damage during a cyclone. And also used throughout the year

This is how they get the medical gear on shore.  I am sure it is all safe and secure ..... 

Photo care of the MSM website. (just in case here are copyright issues)