We received word from Kevin that "The Ambulance" aka Alfie II is on its way to its new home, Nimowa Island. It left last night on the freighter Pacific Harmony for Port Moresby via Brisbane.
Tracking aficionados will want to track it on its way with Marinetraffic.com - the picture on the left shows it off Port Macquarie this morning.. No doubt the full story of the delivery to Nimowa Island will unfold and there are bound to be a few stories to tell by the time Kevin, Ross and Keith return.
Well done Kevin (article) and everyone who helped that dream come true. May the PNG customs and Coral Sea Gods be with you.
31/8/09 Report via Frances/Sat Phone below
Tues Aug 11 ...cradle firmly strapped to trailer for road journey by Barry Dunn , RPAYC Newport to Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club on Wednesday
Wed ... Kevin & Ross on board Ambulance, motored to Port of Newcastle, voyage uneventful with all systems functioning...alleluia
Ambulance arrived 11.30 am Yacht Club & hoisted onto waiting cradle. Afternoon spent strapping onto cradle. Arrival of donated dinghy ( Fr Tony's sister & brother in law) .
Thurs ... Dinghy firmly strapped into cockpit. Kevin & Ross slowly motored boat & cradle around to waiting container ship,( name ?) , craft lifted & placed between containers - judged a 'great spot' by Kevin.
Friday ... container ship leaves for Port Moresby - 6 day
journey
Wed Aug 19... Kevin leaves for Sydney
Thurs... flight Sydney 0630, Brisbane, Port Moresby 1305
Friday ... spent on phone arranging port clearance costs - kina to Westpac Port Moresby branch. Done
Mon... am spent convincing Swires Shipping Agent of correct & final payment made.
Once confirmed, ambulance cleared for transport with Consort coastal shipping
company ,to Alotau in Milne Bay...alleluia ( thus halving expected sea voyage )
Wed ... Kevin flew to Alotau to meet ambulance. Reported "in water, no damage,
only one double block missing"
Thurs ... Ross & Keith ( with double block in bag) flew
Syd, Brisbane,Port Moresby then onto Alotau. ( ? or Friday)
Sat
... am departure ' 3 Men in A boat' with also on board one national from
Nimowa Island.
Sat ... late afternoon from satellite phone - all well, ΒΌ way there, weather fine, seas unsteady so sheltering in lee of Island?
Mon Aug 31... 9.oopm at anchor lee of Island? just north of Jomad Passage . laughter & jesting in background. Expecting to land at Brooker Island tomorrow.
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