"I name this Ship..........."
Mayday Mayday Mayday! ____________________________________________________________________________
"You really want that Scott? Marry me I mean?" "Never been more sure of anything in my life, but only if that's what you want." "Ask me next year, but you already know the answer!"
Scott showered first, but it did not take long, he wanted to get to bed with Andrew as soon as possible. Half hour later they were cuddled up together arms and legs wrapped round and loving the small bed. "Christ what a day. You could not write a story about all that's happened." "I'm still writing it Andrew. I don't suppose many are reading it, but i'm having a bit of fun with it." "Don't you think people will read it then?" "No idea, but it's something I like doing and this is about my fifth story. I just write and if anyone reads it and likes it, that's a bonus, by the way you have a boner. What's that all about?" "You, you daft shit and I would not mind betting there have been a few more guys with boners thinking of you. Did you see all the looks you were getting?" "Yes and a few phone numbers. I may have to extend my time here." It wasn't really a fight, they were a bit restricted due to space and family not so far away. Still they managed a small one which Scott "allowed" Andrew to claim victory. It had been a very long day and they were very tired and now that they had settled back into being adults again they just cuddled and kissed one another to sleep. A perfect end to a perfect day.
When they woke they were in their usual position with Andrew on his left side and Scott behind him, both at full extension. Andrew shot out of bed and went to shower and then climbed back in facing the same way. He did not have to say a thing. Scott ran his hands all over the front of Andrew taking sometime stroking his massive erection. Both men moved so that Scott could get to Andrew's entrance and there he remained just applying a slight pressure to start with and then adding more and more until Andrew's door opened and Scott went in. Scott stroked just with the head which bought him even more pleasure. He moved further into Andrew which brought a contented sigh from him. Further and further he went until finally his entire 7 inches was fully embedded into Andrew and began a slow withdraw and an equally slow push back in. It was going to take a long time which meant even more to enjoy and become even more close as a couple if that was indeed possible. As Scott made love to him so he stroked Andrew in time with his own movements and together they were climbing the mountain together so they would reach the top at the same time. On and on they went each absorbed in what was happening and knowing it was going to get even better as Scott brought them even nearer the the final goal. Andrew put his hand behind Scott's head and moved so their mouths could meet. At last Andrew spoke. "It wont be long now Scott, i'm not far away. Here it........" Scott felt Andrew's cock swell in his hand and at the same time Andrew experienced Scott's own swelling in his tunnel and together they tensed their bodies as their cocks ejected volumes of cum, time and time again. As each of them came so their bodies recoiled as never before. It took an age for them to returned to some semblance of normality. Both the new graduate and the new captain were beside themselves with happiness and contentment. Finally Andrew managed to turn and smiled at the man he loved so much. Still nothing much was said as they once again showed that love via their kissing. At long last Scott told Andrew he loved him which came as no surprise. He waited for the response, but non came. He then knew Andrew was winding himself up to do or say something stupid which would lead to a fight. Fuck it, get in first. Scott suddenly forced himself on top of Andrew, got his fingers into his pitts and tickled the crap out of him. Andrew was all over the place trying to get free, but Scott hung on, not that he had a choice, let go and he was in deep trouble. They fought all over the room until mom knocked on the door and threatened to come in unless they stopped being kids. They were back in bed giggling with the covers drawn up to their chins in case she carried out her threat. After a lot more kissing interspersed with threats of murder from Andrew they got up and went down for breakfast.
"Oh good morning children. Remind me to get the toys out of the loft space. It maybe a bit quieter around here." Walter had a huge smile and so did everyone else. "Good morning everyone, sorry about that, Andrew had a fit and it took me ages to get him out of it." Scott looked around and sat down quietly and said no more. Andrew did the same. Everyone was looking at the pair of them and the message was clear. "Yeah right!"
All the talk was about the ceremony in Norway. They wanted to know all the details which Scott could not give them exactly, but told them all he could. "You will be contacted by one of my fathers people and she will arrange everything and will be with you throughout the whole trip. On the day you wont see Andrew or me as we will be at the dock waiting for the ceremony to start. The whole crew will be there. You will come with my Dad and when you arrive the ceremony will start. After you have done the naming Janice, you pull a lever and a bottle of champagne will smash on the bow and the ship will become officially the Jean Peterson. I then make a speech and it's all done. We will then go on board and get drunk!" "Wow, can't wait fot that bit." David laughed. "Nor me." Shawn said and got a cuff from his dad.
It was a wonderful week and when it came for Scott and Andrew to go there was a lot of fighting to keep the eyes dry. Scott had been welcomed and he went knowing he had another family and all thanks to two guys he never met who had become ill which allowed him to meet the man who became the center of his life. Strange how things happen. They sat in first class and were pampered all the way back to England. Thomas met them and an hour later they were back with William. William was over joyed, he had his two boys back. Everything that could be done had been and a week later Scott and Andrew flew to Norway and got to their hotel. Just three days to go and they would have a ship to sail! It was early enough for them to go and look over the Jean. Scott had already seen the ship all but complete, but this was the first time to see it like this. He was amazed at the transformation and just stood in wonder. "God Scott she is beautiful! I never thought I would ever say that about a ship!" The Jean Peterson was indeed a sight for sour eyes. She sat on the water with her new livery and to all appearances looked brand new. Her hull was painted dark blue with a broad red band going right round the hull. The superstructure was white. All very traditional and that's how Scott wanted it. However, at the midship part of the red band was the word RESCUE in large yellow letters. A large red cross was painted on the superstructure. It's role was easy to see. He took Andrew on a tour and for the first time Andrew saw the engines and all the other equipment he would be helping to maintain. On to the generator room, stores, workshop, water purification machine and much more. Scott pulled up a hatch. "See that? Poo tank." He took him to the boat deck at the stern and showed him the RIB and the life boat both of which would be launched from the stern by raising a huge door and the boats running out on rails, all within two minutes. On up to the bridge with all the systems waiting to be put into action. Everything that was there you would find in any modern ship, from depth gauges, to radars, GPS, communications systems, computer systems, ships controls and a whole bank of main engine gauges and support engines, pressure gauges, fuel gauges, even a gauge for the poo tank. Instruments monitoring every part of the ship including video tracking, fire alert, navigation instruments as well as charts. The ship could be run on lock down from here without having to leave the bridge if the situation demanded. They went to the upper deck above the bridge and looked at the water cannons and all the other equipment up there. "I cant wait to fire off these two Andrew!" One place Andrew would be even more interested in was directly below the bridge, their cabin. It was the biggest on the ship. It served as their living space and Scott's office. It was fitted out to a very high standard and they knew they would be more than comfortable there. There was much more to see, but Scott wanted him to look at two more areas. The first was the medical center which in fact was a mini hospital and the equipment level was some thing to be envied. There were 6 fixed beds and 10 portable ones that could be used in an emergency. The second was the biggest area on the ship and that was the saloon that was the crews social centre and dining room. Off from there was the well equipped galley, again a place to be envied. "I love it Scott, what a ship!" You may not be saying that in a force 8 gale Scott thought to himself!
The crew arrived at midday at the hotel. They were in great spirits and by the reports that Scott had got back, after a month together they were molding into a good team. So far so good. He had met them all during training sessions and took part in some of it himself. It did seem all was well. He would find out soon enough. He had a programme waiting for them which would keep them busy, but after putting their gear in their rooms it was time for a meal and then off to the Jean. There was a buzz and all anxious to board her for the very first time. They had become familiar with her during their training, but only through a model, plans, photos and video. Now it was for real and they would have four hours to explore her. They had been at sea on one of his fathers ships which had given them a good sence of what it was like to sail as a team. Again good reports came back to him.
At last the day Scott and his father had been waiting for had arrived. Scott and the crew stood in uniform, waiting for Andrew's family and William and all the people who had been involved on the project. As soon as the guests arrived Andrew went off to greet his family and Scott to his father. "My word they are a lovely bunch Scott, great fun, but watch those boys, both of them want to stow away!" Janice looked amazing with a great outfit including a new hat. A priest came to Scott shook hands and when everyone was quiet blessed the ship. Janice was handed a cable with a button on the end and said in a loud voice, "I NAME THIS SHIP JEAN PETERSON, MAY GOD BLESS HER AND ALL WHO SAIL IN HER". She pushed the button which released the bottle, it dropped and smashed on the bow. The first thing said as it broke was from David, "What a waste!" Everyone was very happy. Scott and William looked at one another and just smiled. Scott stepped forward and faced the small gathering and thanked Janice for naming the ship. "Over a year ago my father and I lost a wife and mother and this ship has been converted to save lives, not take them. She is a memorial to Jean Peterson and Dad and I know she is very happy that her ship will very soon be at sea doing the work she has been built to do." He thanked everyone for all their work and then invited the crew to take the guests on board. After a very happy few hours it was time for everyone to go. David and Shawn were really impressed with the ship and said they would sign on any time. After hugs, handshakes and goodbyes, the ship was at last Scott's and his crew. There was a special goodbye from William. "God bless Scott. The worry starts for me now. Stay safe son." They sat around in the saloon chatting and going through the next 5 days when the Jean would go to sea for the first time and carry out sea trials. On board would be engineers and experts from all over the world to test the equipment that they had fitted on the ship. The entire ship would be tested to the limit and it was going to be great fun doing it. Scott knew he would be looked at by the crew as this was obviously his first time in command of her and them.
At first light the engines were fired up and an hour later Scott ordered the ropes be taken in and captained the ship out to sea. The trials had begun. They all worked well as a crew as each member worked with the engineers in their particular departments. It was all very intense, but when it came to running the engines at full power it was amazing as the ship reached 23 knots within a very short time. Scott had her thrown about all over the place which everyone enjoyed, but the best was when he alerted all on board that they were going full astern. With the engines still at full power, he pulled a lever that would direct the propeller pods to move outboard still at full revolutions until they were directly pointing the opposite way. The reaction was amazing as the ship rapidly came to a stop. The deceleration was incredible and Scott knew this was going to be a great asset in the event of attack. Day after day they went out and carried out more tests. The third day Scott took the Jean only as far as the middle of the harbour and dropped anchor. They spent the entire day exercising "abandon ship" routine including having a race as to who could get into survival suits the quickest. Marcell won every time as he had during the training on his Dad's ship. They decided that he would definitly loose at least once by duck taping the legs of his suit. It was great fun and gave them all time to relax a little. By the time they had tied up they were well drilled in every aspect of safty proceedures. The ship could at least sail knowing they could address any emergency. They would continue these drills many more times during the trip to Southampton. And so it went on and by the time the last day of trials were completed, they knew the ship was ready for it's missions and indeed so were the crew.
The ship was ready, all the test equipment had been taken away and all the experts had gone, they were on their own at last. This would be their first night on board and after taking on supplies to get them home, the chefs served up the evening meal and after a few drinks one by one, or two by two, went to their cabins. Scott's thoughts about the crew were very positive. They all seemed to be getting along just fine. It was good that there was a good attitude towards their responcibilities and commitment about the Jean's reason to exist. No one seemed to be just having a bit of fun and getting paid for it, but one thing that Scott felt good about was, if any one of them were not up to the job, there were at least five who were ready to take over every post. There had been a huge response from the advert which took him and his father by surprise and the crew who were now with him knew it.
It was up to them to prove themselves as much, if not more, than Scott had to prove himself to them. Still, he knew that one reason why they would gel and work well together was because of their Captain and his standard of professionalism. At just 22 Scott had a lot on his shoulders and it would be a while before he could relax and know he had them fully on his side.
As soon as their door closed Scott took Andrew in his arms and kissed him. They went to the couch and cuddled up. "Welcome home, are you ok?" Scott asked. "Very happy, i'm a bit nervous about going to sea tomorrow though. We have been so busy for the last few days there has been no time to think about being sick. Just hope I will be ok. I bet every body eles will be." "You will be fine, try not to think about it, but if you are just remember Admiral Nelson was sea sick every time he went to sea. If you ask me who Nelson was I will throw up all over you!" Scott took his mind off their worries and stripped them both off and lead the way to the shower and then afterwards they made love for the first time in their new bed, sorry, bunk!
Scott had set his alarm for 6am, but was awake long before it. They were still cuddled up with Scott behind Andrew and his arms around him. Andrew's steady breathing told him he was still fast asleep. He laid there and thought of the enormous responcibility he now had. All of a sudden there was nobody above him to tell him what to do, when to do it or how. Although he had Andrew and all the crew around him, he felt very much alone at this time. He was the top man now and all eyes would be looking at him. He could no longer look at someone eles for answers. As captain it was up to him to give them the answers. No pressure then! He quietly got out of the bunk and took a shower, then got into his day uniform. Dark blue trousers and a lighter blue open necked shirt, on the left breast above the pocket was the company logo, two crossed anchors with his rank and name below. On his shoulder straps were the three and a half gold rings. He put his cap on with the gold braid on the peek. He looked at himself and thought, "Well I look the part, lets see if I can BE the part." It was only 5am and everyone would be still in their cabins. He toured his ship from top to bottom and finally got back to the bridge, the very centre of the whole ship. He sat in his chair and stared out into the still, black night. The only sound came from the generator three decks below, he could only just hear it, but found comfort in the vibrations that came from below. He was in deep thought and did not hear Andrew come onto the bridge until he felt an arm around his shoulders. He turned and looked into Andrew's eyes. In them he saw the answers and smiled at the man he loved so much. Andrew kissed him and in that kiss he was telling Scott he knew how he must be feeling. Without a word Andrew took Scott back to the cabin, stripped him off and took him back to their bunk and wrapped his arms around him. After some time like this Andrew kissed Scott's ear and whispered. "So, who was this Nelson guy then?" Scott burst out laughing and as he did Andrew joined him. It took an age for them to stop. "Oh God I love you so much Andrew!"
In that one thoughtful act Andrew gave Scott all the confidence he needed and because of it he was to become an even better Captain of the Jean Peterson and all because of one mans love to another.
Scott gave the order to cast off and the Jean Peterson drew away from the dock and headed to the open North Sea. As they cleared the harbour Scott gave out three blasts on the horn to say "thankyou and goodbye." He and Freddy had plotted the course back to the UK and settled down to the two week voyage that would get them to Southampton. Scott had told them he wanted to sail at 10 knots which would give the crew more time to train and get even more familiar with the ship. All he wanted from the crew was for them to be prepared to confront any possible attack on his fathers ships or indeed any other ship that the Jean Peterson would be close enough to protect, but at the same time help anyone at sea who maybe in trouble. He sat on on the bridge and knew he had to appoint a second in command, a first officer. He was certain he knew who it would be, Paul Smith he was sure would be his man. He would know by the time the Jean got to Southampton. ________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________
MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY!
On the second night out Scott and Andrew were in their bunk. Scott could not sleep, this was the first time he was off watch at night leaving the ship to another crew member. The only thing that he was comfortable about was Paul was on watch and he knew he would be fine and the ship safe. Paul was a very experienced sailor and had served in the Royal Navy for 16 years, 6 of them with the SBS. At last Scott fell asleep with Andrew tucked into his arms.
Scott's phone rang. It was 3am. "Sorry to wake you skip, but there is a Mayday call out and we are not far from it." Scott was on the bridge in record time. "Ok what's up?" Paul gave him all the details he had. "We have picked up a Mayday call from an Icelandic trawler saying that their engine has failed in rough seas and they have taken a big one and are sinking. The Captain has ordered abandon ship, but they could be in survival suits only as it seems it was not possible to get the life rafts off in time. The signal's gone off so I assume it's sunk. As far as I can tell the trawler was 20 miles north west of us and by the ASI we are the closest to the signal. Here is their last position and if we can get to full speed it's still going to take us an hour to get to the area." "Ok Paul thanks, go to full speed and steer towards the position. I will contact the Icelandic coast guard. By the look of it they are well out of helicopter range, it could be we are their only hope. Scott got through to them and were told that they were indeed the closest, but two other trawlers were on their way, but much further away. "You guys should be in the area long before anyone eles, good luck captain." Andrew came on the bridge and Scott told him what was going on. Soon after that the whole crew came up. They had been woken up due to the ships increase in speed and the motion of the ship as it plowed into the waves. Scott told them all he knew. "It will only take an hour before we get to their last position. Marcell go out when I say and get the Bell ready in case you can take off, but it's shit out there, so be very careful, I don't want to be searching for you as well. IF you can take off go forward of us 200 yards and fly at 100 feet, maybe another 50 if you can see better. Fly 30 degrees port and starboard. You and all of us will be looking for flashing becons on their survival suits. Just wait for me ok?" "Ok skip." "Paul you are the only one who can operate the winch, so that's where you will be, but I need someone to go over the side." "Me." Scott looked at Andrew and knew he could not say no, even though he wanted too. "Ok, you two need to work out what rescue gear to use and get into survival gear." There were two pieces of rescue equipment which would be attached to the winch. Two strops, one of which would be around the rescuer and one to go around the survivor and a rescue basket which would be put over the side for two survivors to climb in, assuming they could. Paul and Andrew picked the strop as they were sure these guys could well be in no state to get into the basket. "Ok skip." Paul said. Scott wondered were this "skip" thing came from, but no time to ask. "Freddy you will take the helm when we get to the area." "Ok skip." "Reg and Paula it's obvious what you two will be doing, I just hope you have people to tend too." "Thats fine skip, Paula and I will go now to the sick bay and get ready." They left the bridge. "Gerry you will be on camera of course." There were several fixed cameras around the ship, but the one Gerry would be operating was in a clear dome raised up on the fly bridge and would give an all round cover of the ship. It was a brilliant camera and would prove more than useful over the coming months. "Ok skip." "Janet I want you to help launch the RIB. Neil and George man it, but there is no way you can go if the weather stays like this." "Fine skip." Jan spoke for them all. "That leaves Colin and you Gerry. When we are in the area you guys go to the fly bridge with night glasses and lookout. If we can't use the RIB you guys go to the fly as well." "Right thats it for about about an hour I will call you to stations then or maybe later if I can't keep this speed up. I just hope the weather will be kind to us and of course the trawlermen. So, if your not involved just now stand down and wait in the saloon. Colin and George went to the galley and knocked up something to eat for the crew and coffee. There was nothing to do now except wait and hope.
The coast guard informed them that there were 6 crew and search planes had taken off from Iceland and Norway and would be in the search area within a half hour. They were asked to change to channel 16 on their radio so everyone could talk to each other and coordinate the search.
The luck they were hoping for did not appear as the sea worsened and with 10 to 15 meter swells Scott had no choice but to reduce speed. The search aircraft had no chance in finding anything in this weather they could not even see the water it was so bad, but they remained on station in the hope it would clear. It was looking bad and Scott was very doubtful that this would have a happy ending.
"Ok, everyone in survival gear and headsets. Only talk if you have anything to report. We cannot use the RIB or the Bell, so everyone come to the bridge." As soon as they were there Scott sent everyone who was free to the fly and had both searchlights switched on and had them sweep all round the ship. Paul and Andrew stayed at the stern by the winch. It all seemed so useless. After another half hour Scott estimated they were now in the search area proper and began a zig zag course at just 5 knots. The Jean was being thrown all over the place and everyone was hanging on for dear life. Scott called Paul and Andrew in, he was worried for their safety. During the next hour he took the Jean at a distance that he guessed would be outside the search area and even though it was pure luck as soon as he told Freddy to come round 180 degrees there was a shout from the fly, it was Janet. "CONTACT! 9 O'clock!" She had seen a flashing light on the survivors suit. The searchlights picked it up and without being told Freddy steered towards it and got to windward of the survivor. Paul and Andrew had flown back to the winch and Andrew was strapped into a rescue strop waiting for Paul to put him over the side. This was not going to be easy. The sea was running high and Paul would have to use all the skill he had to put Andrew near enough to the crewman for him to get the strop around him. He guided Andrew as close as he could and when he was just two foot away ran the cable out and Andrew literally fell the rest of the way. Andrew after a huge struggle managed to get the strop around the man and with a wave Paul lifted them both up and swung them onto the deck. Reg, Paula and Andrew carried the survivor through the hatchway and into the medical room. He was alive. The whole mood of the crew shot up and even more so when Paula rang the bridge and told them the guy was in fairly good shape. The lookouts became even more focused, but added to that they had a stroke of luck when the storm moderated a little, but still the time went by without a further sighting. Scott ordered a wider zig zag and prayed the storm would drop even more and he could get the Bell up. That luck came and although it would still be risky he told Marcell to go and start up. "If we loose the Bell it won't matter, but we need to try. Just take off Marcell and good luck."
Marcell was brilliant and took off and managed to hang on. Normaly in good flying condtions he would take off and once clear of the ship throw a switch which would transfer flight control to the on board computer and then he would go to the bridge and take over from there, but he knew the computer could not hold it in this weather and so he had to stay on the flight deck and manage the flight on the small screen on his control panel. He jammed himself against the helicopter bunker to support himself. He got to 100 feet and in front of the Jean 300 yards. With the Bell up Scott had trebled his search area and it was not long before Marcell called out "CONTACT!" I'm over them!" "Them? How many?" Freddy steered towards the Bell's navigation lights. "Four skip. I think they are roped together!" During the next three quaters of an hour they managed to lift all four out even though it was a struggle, but the luck held, but also with a lot of skill and determination by Paul and Andrew. They now had five survivors and all still alive. Now just one left who turned out to be the captain who was the last to abandon ship.
Reg phoned Scott and informed him that the four survivors were all suffering with exposure, but he was confident they would pull through. The first guy they had found was able to tell him the names of those who had been rescued and that was transmitted to the Icelandic coast guard. Scott tried to work out where the captain would be by following the two positions of the ones they had already found and knowing he would be back towards the original position when they had abandoned ship. Again a pure guess, but he had Freddy turn the ship and followed the line towards were he hoped the captain would have drifted. Marcell remained in front of the ship, but was becoming worried about fuel. "Skip, i'm running low and will have to come in soon." "Ok Marcell, come in, you have done a great job." It took all his skill and although it was a hard landing he made it and managed to secure the Bell before refueling. When he came back on the bridge Scott went to him and gave him a long strong hug and kissed his cheek. "Thankyou Marcell, thankyou so much." Marcell threw his arms around his captain and was never happier or more proud.
There was one more huge bit of luck when the storm abated and they found themselves in calmer water. Visability was now much better and then the shout they were all waiting for. "CONTACT! Over there!" "By the clock George." "Oh yeah, sorry 2 o'clock." And there he was just 200 yards away. Once again Freddy took them to windward of him and for the last time Paul winched Andrew over and placed him as near as possible to the captain. Everyone was looking and saw Andrew struggling to get the strop over the unconsious captains head and arms, but after quite a fight he managed it and waved to Paul. Up they came and all breathed a sigh of relief when they were put onto the deck. He was taken into the medical room and Scott rushed down to be with them. He stood back as Reg and Paula worked on him. Scott had no idea about medical matters but thought it did not look good, he was obviously in a very bad way. He went into the ward and looked at the other crew and at least they looked a lot better than their captain. He went back to the bridge and contacted Iceland to inform them of the captains rescue. "But he is in a bad way and only the Doc will be able to tell you how things are with him later. We will let you know as soon as we do." "Thankyou Jean Peterson for all that you have done. Like you we will all pray for the captain." Reg and Paula worked on the captain bringing about all their conciderable experience, at the very least he was getting the best treatment available.
The entire crew were on a massive high. What they had just done was a major achievment, but it was with mixed feelings as the captain was so badly injured. All the other crew, although still in recovery, would make it. All thoughts were now with the captain and of course the two that could keep him alive.
When Paul and Andrew came back to the bridge Scott threw his arms round both of them and could not thank them enough. He took Andrew to their cabin and made him go for a shower and waited for him to come back out. Scott grabbed him and took him in his arms. "God I am SO proud of you, you did such a great job Andrew and did it with no thought to your own safety. You are my hero and everyone eles's." Andrew just smiled back at Scott and said nothing, but indeed he was proud and had every right to be so. "Email your family Andrew, this could be on the news channels and they will know it's us that have been involved and they will worry about you." Andrew did as he was told and afterwards went back to the bridge and waited for Reg and Paula to give them some news. They had to wait for sometime though.
While they waited Scott had been talking to Iceland coast guard and had worked out when they could meet up with their helicopter. Scott could not give them any news about the captain and they would have to wait for Reg to talk to them. The helicopter could be over them in two hours and would take the captain on board if he could be moved, but would wait to talk to Reg.
An hour later Reg came on to the bridge. "Right, we have a very sick man skip and we need to get him to hospital as soon as we can. We have stabalized him, but he needs intensive care. He did not have a helmet on and must have hit something on the way down. He has a very serious head injury and will need surgery. As for the others, we are not too concerned, all they need is bed rest and the treatment we can offer. They don't need to be hospitalised as they are already in one. I need to talk to Iceland." Reg contacted them and spoke at great length to a doctor who agreed that as soon as they could they would get to the Jean to transfer the patient. It was now estimated that the helicopter would be with them in one hour and by then it would be light and transfer that much easier.
The transfer went well and as they flew away the whole crew's best wishes went with the captain. Reg and Paula had done a fantastic job and it was a few weeks later it was acknowledged that their combined efforts had saved his life. It was agreed that the Jean would take the survivors all the way back to Akureyri where they all came from. It would take just under two days and by the time they arrived all of the survivors were up and about drinking the ship dry! They made many friends during that time, but what made it even better was when they were informed that although still very sick the captain was stable and had made modest improvement. They had to sail past Dalvik where Scott and Andrew had first met. As they passed they looked through binoculars at the hotel, each in his own thoughts.
They arrived to a huge reception, just about the whole town was out to greet them. Scott had the main water cannons fired and the sight was really impressive and all recorded by the TV crews. He took the Jean to the mooring and the first to come on board were the trawlermen's families. There was a great deal of hand shaking and hugs. The guys finally left to be with the ones who they thought they would never see again. "Do you know Andrew if my mother had not died, these guys most probably would have?"
There were dozens of interviews and they were flashed around the world with the film of the rescue. Millions watched it on news channels.
They had become famous for a short while and there was a lot of celebrating to be done!
winchesterbornbred@hotmail.co.uk
Bobby