This is just another quick update from Martinique; Still little/no email access. So, still using Amateur Radio for all electronic communication.
We ('Absaroque' and 'Impressionist') started to leave Le Marin on Wednesday, but just as the anchor on 'Persephone' was loading onto the bow roller the shackle holding the anchor to the chain broke, and the anchor went overboard. I have NO idea why the shackle broke...it did not unscrew but literally 'shattered'...the shackle wasn't one of the "cheapo" China ones...but, a quality shackle forged in the USA....well, at least I thought it was a quality one !!) Thank God it didn't let go in a squall while on the bottom !!
I have two spare anchors aboard, and quickly hooked one up and re-anchored. BUT, it was an $880.00 USD Rocna anchor that went to the bottom !! This anchor is made in New Zealand and is terrific. We have never dragged with this anchor and have (had ?) complete confidence in it. Our secondary anchor is a 45 pound Delta which is not nearly as reliable. Persephone is currently using our 37 pound Fortress as it was most accessible on Wednesday (the Delta is buried in the bottom of a locker), and holds well in mud bottoms.
I have been scuba diving for the past two days trying to find the anchor. Bob from 'Tranquila' has been helping each day. ('Tranquila' is crewed by Bob and Laurie; not to be confused with Bob and Lori on 'Pride' !) Earlier in the week Laurie had come over to introduce herself, as we are the only two U.S. flagged vessels in the area. But I digress...
The bottom is VERY muddy, and you can't see a thing...literally 1 foot max of viability at 20 feet down....so, I have been going along the bottom feeling for the anchor...a useless exercise. The bottom is so muddy, it may have just "swallowed" the anchor.
So, the diving will continue later today. We will keep you updated on our success.... If we are unsuccessful, the journey north will be diverted to St. Martin where the is a dealer which stocks the Rochna. The anchor is that good; don't want to be without it.
Keep your fingers crossed !!
No comments:
Post a Comment