Friday 31st October, dismantling the base camp.

In the morning we start packing at the base camp. The tents and tarpaulins have to be folded up, but above all, the equipment and all the precious samples must be put away. The cooks are busy preparing lunch before the kitchen is packed up as well. After lunch, the material is transferred onto the boats. Loading takes place without any mishap. At the time of departure, our physician Jean is fetched for to treat a foot injury on a porter from the village.

We leave late in the afternoon and moor at the mouth of Triton Bay for a last night dive. The divers come back delighted. Indeed, at night, while some fish are asleep, plenty of mollusks, echinoderms and crustaceans come out of their dwellings. Sleepy fish let you come much closer and even catch them. Tonight, the divers pulled out a young shark, which will be released once identified.

Leaving Lobo – Copyright : S. Quérouil / IRD

(translated by Lisa Zaharias, L2 ST – Earth Sciences – UM2, France)