Lautan Megah in Padang!

After a "baptism by fire" delivery trip, Lautan Megah is anchored off Pulau Pisang directly in front of Island Aid headquarters in Padang. Weather conditions for the delivery were some of the worst in 40 years in Indonesia. A combination of multiple cyclones in the Indian Ocean and an extreme monsoon over South Asia generated very strong winds and destructive seas on both the north and south coasts of Java and Bali.

Shipping and interisland ferries were suspended for weeks and 200 village houses were lost on the north coast of Bali alone. The famous Kuta Beach in Bali was pounded by heavy seas and 30+ knot winds for periods of up to a week causing tidal flooding, sand drifts over roads and considerable damage to trees, vegetation and buildings near the beach.

Lautan Megah faced very rough seas in the Java Sea both on the first leg crossing from Sulawesi to Komodo and on the entire second leg up as far as Krakatau Volcano. Once we turned the corner of South Sumatra, the weather moderated and our run up the coast to the Mentawai Islands was a welcome relief. For more details of our voyage please visit The Engine Room.