Some of the qualities of the Bosun will have become apparent to the reader over the last few weeks. Resourcefulness has been mentioned. A willingness to lead with his head has been mentioned. Also there is a tendency towards hyperactivity. Finally there is a desire to excel, if possible on a public stage.
We were motoring towards the mainland, having crossed the shipping lanes and were looking forward to our first view of the cliffs of Southern Portugal when the Navigator, who was engaged on the swimming platform in scrubbing the fenders which had become encrusted with chicken manure in Ponta Delgada, dropped the bucket he was using which floated off behind the boat. Instantly the crew went into man overboard mode, OGL kept his eyes on the precious object and directed the skilful Coxswain who took GOZWOZ into a position from which it would drift down on the bucket. Sadly the first attempt at retrieval with the boathook failed and it drifted under the stern of the boat.
Enter our hero. A cry was heard from the Bosun, as he reached the guardrail on the port side, having flung off his clothes, all of them, believe me, and dived gracefully towards the bucket. Having recovered it he swam towards the stern ladder which he mounted to the applause of the crew. My memory is of him swimming with the rope in his mouth, as a dog would, but that may be wishful thinking.
Fortunately the heroic proceedings were recorded photographically by the attentive and admiring Roger.
Readers with an interest in safety may be reassured that the Navigator was safely attached to the boat with a lifeline while working on the swimming platform.
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