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Tuesday, August 9, 2011

A Nightmare at the Sea

Lightning flashed ,  there was a loud crash, and a huge splash of water! In a few seconds the life around me was engulfed in darkness! I was gasping for breath, as I felt the cold water all around me. I struggled as my head bobbed up for the first time out of water. I could hear some shouts and flashing of torches in my direction. Two boats were tethered side by side about five feet from me. I tried to swim but the heavy boots pulled me down as I took one long gasp of breath before re entering the water. A train of thoughts rushed past lasting only for a flash… will I emerge alive, will I see my folks again. My new watch which I had bought only a fortnight back was still around my wrist and I made one more determined lunge towards the boat when I found my finger touch the rope around the fender. I clenched the fender as strongly as my fingers could. The boat swayed and the fender creaked under my weight. Some one is here! I heard a shout as the torch shone on my face!!


We had landed on the Bolgatty island in the evening in our boat as a part of the Sailing camp. It was more than 10 days and everyone had blisters on hands caused by incessant rowing every day in the hot sun. Our endurance at sea was on test in the 18 feet whalers, as a part of training we were undergoing at the Naval Academy. We had sailed out of the Kochi harbor to Alpuza (then Quilon) sometimes out in open sea and other times rowing through the swamps and mangroves in back waters of Kerala. Every morning we would sail out in open sea, rowing most of the day and in afternoon setting up the sails to catch the wind to save on effort. During the day, we would buy fish from the local fishermen and fry them on a primus stove and devour them. Being the only vegetarian on board I would settle for bananas. By sunset we would reach alongside the coast or an island and secure the boat alongside to light a campfire and indulge in merry making. Bolgatty is a tranquil island off Kochi and after reaching there we played some games and then had an early dinner. The rumble of thunder and lightning were the only sound and light on the island that night. The torrential rain started in frenzy and I clutching my used plate walked towards the sea. There were a few rocky stones, which I tread past. The stones had become slippery due to the moss and fresh rains and before I could realize what happened there was a thud and, I was in the dark water.

An outstretched hand towards me was all I could see! After a tug, I emerged out of the water dripping all over. Luckily, I had not drunk the sea water and was soon able to walk. The thunder and lightning continued through the night as I settled down in the barn where my other friends were already resting. The nightmare had ended and I was alive to narrate the story the next day.



14 comments:

  1. wow...you explain the scene so beautifully. I just loved it

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  2. LOT OF EXPLANATION AND DESCRIPTION PACKED IN THOSE 300 WORDS.

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  3. Phew, glad he survived. Nicely done :)

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  4. *salvating* You make me want to go on an adventure of my own. :)

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    1. I am happy you liked it:) A big thanks for following my blog:)

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  5. I have a fear of the ocean and this made me squirm! So glad he survived the nightmare!

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  6. It was fun to participate in this contest:) A big thanks for following my blog:)

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  7. Lots of description. As a vegetarian, I feel for the vegetarian of the group for having to live on bananas. Glad the nightmare ended for the protagonist!

    I'll announce the finalists tomorrow.

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    1. A sincere thanks Cherie for empathizing with the vegetarian on the boat who survived on bananas:)Look forward to the result of the contest!

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  8. Replies
    1. A huge thanks, Misha for liking this one and also becoming a follower:) What more could I ask for:)

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