By Nara Wisesa

Despite our broken anchor and propeller, we managed to dive two more locations before returning to the safe haven ofKalabahi harbor. The current in the morning dive sites were very strong and the teams had a hard time collecting data.After we docked in Kalabahi where we started out journey, we finally saw the damage to our propeller and our anchors, which was pretty bad. Our anchor became heavily bent and useless, while our propeller broke one of its blades, while two other blades were starting to crack. Both were then sent to a local welder to be fixed.

As evening comes, bad news comes to worse as it turns out, Pak Salim, our chef became ill. All of a sudden after returning from a walk to a nearby ATM, he started complaining that his right arm and leg felt numb. An hour later, he became unable to lift his right arm and leg, and his speech became slurred. He was then sent to the ER, where the doctor says it is probably a light stroke, but need to make a 24 hr observation to be sure.

On the flipside, this unplanned stop gives the team some time to rest after 6 straight days of sampling. The next day, the team spent their time resting and entering data. The rest of the teamwas ensuring that Pak Salim is properly taken care of by the hospital. I spent the majority of the day communicating with the Jakarta and Kupang office as we coordinate the steps needed to evacuate and transport our chef to Kendari.By the end of the day, our prediction proved true, as Pak Salim was diagnosed with non-hemorrhagic stroke and blood hypertension. Fortunately his condition is starting to improve, as he starts to become able to move his right leg. He was also allowed to leave the ER and given a room in the hospital.

The day after, the team decided that we might as well enjoy the rest time imposed to us.Thus we decided to go to PantaiSabanjar, a nearby beach resort that is operated by the local marine affairs and fisheries office (Pak Mus who is part of our expedition is in charge of the day-to-day care of this resort). The resort has so much potential, its picturesque beach is decorated with the stunning hills of Alor and Pantar in the background, while the water was as clear as a swimming pool. Such a shame that the management aren’t promoting the resort well enough, and the area rarely receives any visitor and feels deserted.

After satisfying ourself by taking the compulsary beach pictures, we proceded to a nearby artisan who makes kainsongket for souvenirs.Unfortunately as we returned to the boat, we found out that our woes in Kalabahi has not ended. First we received news that an error in the boat’s paperwork prevented us from being able to refuel (fortunately Tutus was able to deal with this the next day), while a sparepart package sent to us from Jakarta got stuck in Kupang. Though fortunately, repairs on our anchor and propeller have finished.Thus we were forced to spend another day in Kalabahi, before finally setting sail again on Saturday early morning.

Pak Salim

On Friday, we were forced to say goodbye to our cook Pak Salim, as it is impossible for him to continue on our journey. On Sunday, we received information that Pak Salim has flown to Kupang, and then to Denpasar. He then arrives in Kendari on Monday, before going straight to the hospital there, having his family by his side to take good care of him.

Pak Salim originally came from Kendari, before moving and starting work in Wakatobi. He began his career in conservation when he became a cadet for Operation Wallacea, also serving as their cook in Hoga. He later became employed in WWF, serving as the main chef aboard the FRS Menami.