Monday 20th October, while waiting for the authorisation to leave, people travelling by boat stay on board and those taking the ferry remain ashore.

The unexpected arrival of a minister delays the meeting with the BUPATI (the Prefect of the region). We have to wait until the evening to be able to leave. Impatience is growing. But it leaves time to check the equipment.

Jean-Pierre setting his underwater camera – Copyright : S. Quérouil / IRD

A gannet with a blue beak – Copyright : S. Quérouil / IRD

A gannet with a blue beak comes and keeps us company for one or two hours, fascinated by our black zodiac boat.

After rain comes a beautiful pink sunset lighting up the horizon. Departure for Lobo will take place tonight around midnight.

(translated by Lyndsay Clavareau, L2 SVC–Life & Earth Sciences–UM2, France)