Vanuatu.
The islands of Vanuatu.
(Previously known as The New Hebrides.)
We visited Vanuatu in 1990 and 1992. The first trip was an exploratory trip, seeking potential Hoplolatilus study sites. Also we were looking for a reasonable diving platform/ship that could accomodate our needs.
We chartered the (Ex French Oceonographic research vessel MV Coriolis) and found a good site near Elephant Island (NE corner of the Island of Espiritu Santo).
We also happened to be at the right place at the right time, when at Pentecost Island we were able to participate in the once yearly ritual "Bungy" jumping on that Island.
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| MV Coriolis. | Pentecost Bungy jumpers |
In 1992 we assembled our research team at Port Villa on the island of Efate, boarded the good ship Coliolis and headed up to Elephant Island.
Our Research effort near Elephant Island was closed down a day after we got there when Tropical Cyclone "Betty" drew a bullseye on us. We had to steam south to seek safe anchorage at Segund Channel. (The only place reasonably safe to weather a cyclone).
The six hour boat ride south was into huge quartering waves, 30-40 ft high, which left almost all of our volunteers seasick. We then spent 36 scary hours, hunkered down in Segund Channel as tropical downpours and 70-100kt winds buffeted the ship. The eye of "Betty" passed some 60 nautical miles south of us.
Needless to say not much reasearch was accomplisehd on the trip.
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| Bungy jump. | Wreck of SS President Coolidge. |
| Bungy Jumping thru the ages. |
Wrecks and scenes. |
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