XVI. In the middle of the Sea with Refugees

O, how things move like the tornado through the desert. A constant shift, debris flying everywhere; imperative to stay centered.

The past few days have been a cumulative bombardment of changes. The weather brought heavy winds, rough seas, and the cold weather back. Although this put a pause in crossings for the refugees, it gave our team, Refugee Rescue, the opportunity to train. I spent 3 days driving back and forth to Skala during day and night to engage in open water rescue scenarios. During this time, Anais found a new room to relocate to in Skala right next to the team, in which we relocated to yesterday.

I grew to love our boat, MoChara, within a few quick days. The power behind the boat is incredible; it cuts through the high waves like a knife through butter, sending pellets of sea water in my face and soaking my body. The rails are covered with handholds for victims to enter the boat in a rescue situation. The design of the boat allows the captain to turn on a dime and have impecable maneuverability in rough seas.

We practiced man overboard drills, rescue operations, night drills, and captain overboard - meaning I drove the boat for a bit. With the wheel in my hand, I understood the importance of a skilled skipper. As Charlie (skipper) explained, MoChara is like a motorcycle of the sea.

Over the days, a bond grew between the crew as we shared information and experiences. It was a pleasure to train with these guys. Captain Mike and Ben went back home, and Ritchie will be here another day or two to provide an overlap with our newest crew member, Josh. Everyone one the team is professional and here to help.

Charlie warns us of adopting a "hero" mentality while striving to be fast and efficient in response. We have our gear laid out, communications opened and tested, and our boat primed and ready. Last night the weather began to shift; seas became calmer and the air warmed. Rescue boats in the harbor went on alert.

I woke up to a call on the walkie talkie with the rising sun this morning from Ritchie. It was time to get on the ocean. Within minutes, I had my gear on and made my way towards the dock. As called in to the watchtower to let them know we are operational, we scanned the horizon for boats. We spotted Frontex and a few refugee boats.

Charlie, skipper from Sweden, went full throttle to the scene, cutting through the ocean. We were the first rescue boat to arrive, and were prepared to escort a black dinghy filled with refugees to the beach. As approached, a police (Frontex) rescue boat also approached - so we backed off the scene and let them take over.

It is wild to be in the middle of the ocean with a refugee ship, and to realize how vulnerable they are. The boats are overcrowded and practically sinking, while many onboard are wearing fake lifejackets. It is a blessing to be on a boat and able to assist. We noticed many inflatable donuts in the water as Frontex escorted the refugee boat to their massive ship. After the scene was clear, different teams helped to tow the empty refugee boats and carry the flotation devices to shore.

This morning, 3 boats were intercepted by Frontex and all refugees were brought safely to the harbor. There is a buzz around Skala that more boats are going to start launching tonight, as weather and sea conditions are continuing to improve. Our team will be on call throughout the night, and ready to operate when called.

Love, Peace, Wahe Guru!

Thank you to all the supporters that have helped Anais and I get out here. Sat Nam Foundation is sponsoring us to be out here, and to provide the refugees with the care they need. Please support us at: http://satnamfoundation.org/index.php/campaign/lesbos/