XX - Sunrise Rescue

Aloha!

Today began a couple hours before sunrise with a full moon and a calm ocean. Charlie, Ritchie and I loaded up the boat and set off to sea. We received a message that a boat had landed on the coast a few hours prior, and no one could find the passengers. With our night vision binoculars, we began scanning the coasts with no luck. Our eyes stayed peeled and ears open for messages.

As it turns out, the boat was quite far from us (30 min in boat), and by the grace of God, was found by another rescue boat. We calmed down and pondered the red orange full moon as it began to set into the ocean, while the first sun rays began to break the bitter cold night. We received a call - and incoming vessel.

Charlie hit full throttle, Ritchie stayed tight on the Comms, and I stood up with my feet strapped in to spot the boat. We closed in on the incoming refugee dinghy, circled around, and slowly approached from behind. I could feel the nervous tension the 40+ people were holding ease as they realized we were allies.

I made my way to the bow of the boat to communicate with them via hand signals and smiles. Ritchie followed through with communications by calling the Coast Guard and Jude. The refugees looked dry and without medical emergency. We began contacting Anais and landing crew to prepare for a 30 minute arrival when we received a phone call from Frontex, European border control.

Frontex instructed us to pull up to the boat and ask them to turn their engines off. They would arrive in approximately 12 minutes to board the refugees and take them to shore. As much as our guts went against this, it is not our intent to go against authority - rather work with them. We approached the refugee boat with caution and spotted the best English speaker. We shared a few words, and we asked him to turn the engine off.

In trust, they stopped the boat in the middle of the sea. We linked up with their boat, to look for medical emergencies. As we came to a slow drift, women and children began to stand up from the middle of the boat to get a look at us. Happiness filled the air. Many of these Afghan refugees had been traveling for over a month, and some had not eaten in days. We noticed a few were beginning to shiver.

There was no sign of Frontex after the allotted time they asked us to wait. We used our judgement as hypothermia is a real risk, and instructed the boat to turn their engine on and drive to shore. With hand signals we guided them safely into the harbor where the landing team was waiting.

We continued on with our boat to Molyvos to get the electronics tuned up. On the way back, our boat was greeted by a small pod of dolphins! It was a warm afternoon on the ocean, with sunshine and dolphins. It was a time of celebration, as our team has begun to gel and perform.

After lunch, we drove to the local hot springs to have a soak and debrief. It is possible that we will move to a remote part of the island where refugee boat traffic is growing. In certain areas, Turkish police/Coast Guard is present and sending refugees back, so smugglers are looking for new zones to send them from. If we do decided to move to this new harbor that Jude has scoped out, we will be all on our own. Therefore, we will be without lighthouse Karakus and their wonderful spotters with high-tech thermal vision.

Refugee Rescue is still in the process of building crew, both on the boat and on the land, and our equipment. As of now, I will be spotting on the boat. We have a $400 pair of thermal binoculars that only work within 50 meters or so. Anything beyond and they only pick up light. We need a better pair so I can spot refugees from a far distance while on the boat. Please contact me, mdenicola9@gmail.com, if you can help us obtain a professional set of thermal vision. Thank you!

We are blessed to be sharing this experience of life. Mahalo!

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/

XIX - Night Rescues

The past few days/nights have been blurred together due to irregular sleep patterns and a series of sporadic events. The Refugee Rescue team, consisting of Jude (coordinator), Charlie (Skipper), and Ritchie & I (crew/swimmers), has responded successfully to incoming boats throughout the past 3 nights.

Jude is constantly monitoring different sources of information on refugee boat locations. There are "WhatsApp" groups where spotters relay information to crews, and other sources that share vital information with us. Jude filters through the constant flow of incoming information to deliver us with a clear, concise direction.

On my night table lies our group "alarm" phone. When Jude receives information that help is needed, she calls me. Via walkie talkie, I relay the information to Ritchie who is monitoring the VHF radio. Within minutes, we suit up and run down to the docks. In just a few nights, we have come across a spectrum of different experiences.

The sea is saturated with Coast Guard and Frontex presence during the day and at night. Sometimes it is obvious that they are there, as there boats are massive and well lit, and other times they sneak up on the rescue boats with lights turned off and a spotlight on us. We have been lucky not to be boarded or hassled. As we are not doing anything wrong, there should be nothing to fear. As we all know, certain "powers at be" choose to use their authority to inflict fear on others.

The other night, we were performing night drills. Pretending visibility was low, the captain looked only at his compass. Using our GPS, Ritchie and I guided him to specific points. We also began throwing objects off the boat as a man over board drill. Using a combination of lights and night vision we would spot the objects and bring them back in the boat.

While performing these exercises, we saw an extremely bright light in the distance. Looking through the night vision goggles, it seemed like there were multiple lights. Not wanting to unnecessarily get too close to a boat of authority, our team entered in a caucus, where Ritchie and Charlie concluded that it was impossible for a refugee to have such a strong light, as they are usually do not have means to buy real lifejackets; it was more likely that it was a police boat.

On the hill in the distance, a car rounded the corer with its lights on. It stopped dead in its tracks, as if it was also observing something. At this time, our radios began to scramble. A strange alien sound was coming out of them. A couple of minutes later, the car drove towards the beach. Charlie remarked, "Something fishy is going on here." We heard nothing on the radio or on the alarm phone (where we receive information). We called Korakas Lighthouse, where they have professional Thermal Imaging. They reported that they did not see any boat.

We continued our drill, although I was compelled to keep an eye on the boat. Sure enough, the bright light turned off and I could see the boat going towards the shore. With quick instincts, Charlie reacted and turned the boat around at lightening speed. Within 30 seconds we found ourselves behind a black dinghy full of refugees. As they landed, an entire team was waiting on the beach for them. We watched from the water as the refugees were loaded into a van and drove towards the IRC.

This series of events left us befuddled. As we began to play things over in our heads, it seemed obvious that the team waiting them on shore had inside information about the whereabouts of this boat. This information was not being shared, as no other teams received it. On top of it, our radios began to scramble as we approached the boat. Why would someone withhold this information from rescue boats and risk the lives of refugees crossing?

Last night we entered the water around 1:30 AM. SeaWatch rescue boat was guiding a "mock" speedboat in to shore, and Korakas spotted another dinghy. Working with spotters on the phone, we found the dinghy - as we approached, so did the Greek Coastguard. We backed off and watched through the dark night as refugees boarded the ship. The CG then proceeded to slash the front end of the inflatable dinghy and leave it for garbage.

Then the scene began to unfold. A Norwegian Frontex ship approached SeaWatch as they were within 100 meters or so of the harbor with the refugees. A conversation between the two teams broke out on the radio - Frontex demanding that SeaWatch let them take over and reroute the boat to another location. Meanwhile, the refugee boat was speeding out of control.

The Greek CG entered in the discussion and made it clear, using strong words and a loud tone, that they would be taking over. SeaWatch backed down and the CG led the refugee boat away from the harbor and landed them on a rocky beach where a volunteer landing team was waiting for them.

Meanwhile, we made our way to the pile of rubbish (lifejackets, inner tubes, clothes), picked up what we could, tied the half inflated dinghy to our boat and towed it in. When we reached the harbor, there was quite a ruckus going on. Apparently, the police believed that a smuggler was on board the speedboat. They tried arresting the man and his wife began crying uncontrollably. The rest of the passengers, around 15, refused to part from the man. Rather than letting the refugees receive dry clothes, tea and food from volunteers waiting, the police took them all in a police van.

Our team has also helped on shore to receive boats. Anais has found her groove on shore. She rises when I do, and makes her way to the two camps: Platanos and Lighthouse. There she helps incoming refugees receive clothes, tea and food. By they pictures I have seen, it is obvious that they take a likening to her - and how could they not? She walks with cheer in a state of joy. It is a true blessing to have her with me, as she is a strong support and makes delicious food! We have been keeping our spirits high, even though the small town we are living in is in a constant state of turmoil.







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/

XVIII - Watching 250 people stuck at sea border

XVII. Safe Passage

A crackling of the radio followed by a Greek voice woke me half past midnight. I listened in on the universal VHF radio. Quickly the conversation began to make sense as a picture was painted in my mind: two refugee boats en route, with a third potential. Hailing ProActiva, I made it clear that MoChara was standing by and ready to assist.

Our team decided to suit up and meet at the boat. On the way to the docks, I saw a boat approaching the beach. Volunteers helped to unload the wet, cold refugees and cries of babies filled the air. Anais stayed with the group, and began helping the refugees toward the Platanos camp, where volunteers gave them warm clothes, food and drink.

Meanwhile, our crew loaded our rescue boat and took off into the black ocean. We made radio contact with the other rescue boats and watchtower. As of now, the two boats were safe and there was a potential boat that was spotted on thermal imaging.

We scanned the horizons with our night vision binoculars, and kept in tight communication using radio and cell phone. We were told that the lookouts had lost their thermal vision, and our help on the water was crucial. As the other rescue boats when to harbor to get rest, the MoChara stayed afloat for the next 4.5 hours.

Patrolling the waters at night is simultaneously invigorating and exhausting. We felt a responsibility as there were many rumors that a large group of refugee boats were going to take off.

At one point, a Portuguese police boat spotlighted us. They never hailed us on radio, though they made their presence clear. We walk a fine line being a rescue in these times and waters. Communication is imperative, and so is playing by "the rules." We were told that another rescue boat was confiscated last night by police because they were "using the radio too much." Our crew is making sure to tread the waters lightly and keep our distance from any trouble with authority.

After reaching port after 5 am, we all went home for a rest. I woke up groggy and raced to the cafe for a meeting with the team. We were reported that 14 boats landed on the south eastern side of the island, towards Mytilene. We discussed the possibilities of helping in this zone if need be, although there is a large coastguard and NATO presence off the coast of the capital city, Mytilene.

Anais is in the process of making the crew a delicious dinner so we can be well fed, energized, and ready to go out again tonight.

Let us pray for calm seas, warm winds, and safe crossings!

Light & Love on this night!

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/

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/

XV. Surfing the Seas ~ Preparing for Rescue Ops.

A wild past few days - how everything shifts like the wind on this island!?

The sad news: our three puppies we were taking care of left - luckily it was with a nice local woman who rescues local pups that are abandoned. I spoiled them as much as possible before they left, with raw beef bones and cooked chicken liver with rice and veggies! We know they are being taken care of; we still miss them!

On a fun note, the Hope Center has quite a history of housing Refugees. Many years ago, when the Elpis Hotel was just getting started, refugees from Somalia made their way across the Aegean sea to Lesvos, and the Elpis (Hope center) opened their doors for the refugees. We feel it is only appropriate to keep with tradition, and have an open door policy for all those in need.

For those familiar with "Pandora's box," when it was open, all the burdens and toils of men were spilled out. Meanwhile, the spirit of hope, Elpis, stayed in the box. Here on Lesvos, we live and breath Hope...for peace.

Refugees walking from the pier to the bus in the rain

The other day, I managed to hook up with the Hellas lifeguards and join in on their rescue boat training. We practiced knots and basic rope rescue techniques. Preparing to launch their new rescue boat. Their Captain, Giannis, is naval experienced and runs a tight ship - he is experienced and works fast. As I step on the boat and have rope in my hands, things begin to feel very real to me.

I take a hike in the mountains after training, and the power of Poseidon runs through my veins. I watch as the massive ships of Frontex and Coast guard patrol the waters, helping boats and while the Turkish turn others back. Mother Gaia fills my being with strength as Father sun charges my heart with compassion - change is in the air.

Yesterday the seas were stormy - by God's Grace, I connected with an Irish team, Refugee Rescue, who just received a large donation and bought a rescue boat. They are looking for more crew, and I fit the bill! I made my way to the local meeting point, Captain's Table, for a sit down with Jude, the founder and organizer.

Map used by rescue teams -
Lesvos on left - Turkey on right

I paced back and forth on the docks, watching the waves crash with the winds; glancing side to side hoping to find Jude. A sea-weathered man, Charlie, took notice of me and asked, "are you on a boat?" I explained my situation, and he replied that he is an experienced sailer from Sweden without a boat to Captain. We exchanged smiles and phone numbers, and he walked into the warm restaurant for dinner.

As Jude approached, I could hear the millions of thoughts buzzing through her head: an agenda list that seems never ending. She spoke calm and friendly. We chatted about my background and the mission of the team; She explained the team needed more crew to up and running 24/7, as she expects more refugees to begin crossing any day. I called on Charlie, and he joined our conversation. Things went well, and Jude invited us to join the team the following day.

Today I met with Ben, Ritchie, Giannis, Mike, and Charlie at the Petra docks. We needed to pull the boat out of the water to check on a leak. With many eyes on the boat, we discovered the problem: a few missing screws. I ran to the hardware store, and within a couple of hours we fixed the small leak in the boat and had her in the water.

Mo Chara Rescue Boat!

The whole crew is super friendly - Ben and Ritchie are both UK lifeguards. They are surfers and seem pretty mellow and easy to get along with. Mike is from Northern Ireland - a country I long to visit. There is a sparkle in his eye that brings joy to my being. The crew seemed to gel quickly, which is important when you are making life altering decisions together.

Tomorrow I meet with the crew at 9 am in Skala...My head is buzzing a million miles per hour! I am stoked to have found a team that I can work with.




Meanwhile, NATO is sending warships to the Aegean sea to "stop smugglers" from bringing refugees to Greece. Could it be a coincidence that Saudi Arabia decided to send in foot soldiers into Syria today? Only time will tell!

I will continue to update his blog as things unfold - Thank you for sharing this experience and showing your support.

Salutation! Wahe Guru! Love and Light!

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/


2 Articles on NATO ships coming this way:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/nato-orders-fleet-to-deploy-in-aegean-sea-to-help-end-europes-refugee-crisis-a6867076.html

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35549478

XIV. Finding the Groove

Wah!

Tumultuous. Lesvos.

As our spirits begin to settle on the "Island of Light," things become more clear. This morning, I spent my time reviewing gear (Jet Ski) with Lifeguard Hellas, watching the ocean, and speaking about our current situation. As of now, their rescue boat is in the water, and waiting to begin escorting refugees safely to the coast. It is a fine line to walk, as Frontex and Coast Guard are very present in the ocean, and we must work together.

At the Hope Center, we continued to prepare rooms, organize clothes, and paint rooms. A group of Spaniards arrived with excellent news: they are donating a set of solar panels to the Hope Center and will begin setting them up tomorrow! Things are flowing in the right direction.

Setting up the "Men's changing room" with tracy (Hope)

According to a few seasoned volunteers, the Coast Guard presence has been on and off this past year. Also, they said the smugglers in Turkey announced they will begin sending more boats come the beginning of March. Therefore, they predict the waters and the streets of Lesvos to be overwhelmed again with refugees. Meaning, all hands on deck helping.

An employee of IRC shared an interesting tidbit with me: her view of the crisis here has gone 360 degrees in the past 5 months. First, she celebrated that we are helping the refugees to safety. Later, she realized the trauma that they experience after they leave Lesvos; whether it is from PTSD or abuse in other countries. And then, she began to realize that only the lucky actually could afford to cross the ocean; millions are still stuck in Syria and Turkey.

Lesvos is certainly a focal point for this crisis; there are also two tail ends: before and after. Since many of us are receiving into our country, we have choices how to treat them. I pray that we will help the children grow into strong leaders and help them work through their trauma.







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/