(I started this post on the 6th, however did not quite complete it as I was waiting for photos from ashore. These arrived, so I am completing it on the 7th).
Well, after 55 days since any of our feet touched dry land, I now have 172 ladies and Gentlemen from our Indonesian crew, ashore. What a palaver it has been too. In and out of anchorages, endless paperwork and more officialdom, the day eventually arrived. 6:30 in the morning and tender platform was prepared, tenders swung out so they were ready to ‘splash’ and then, of course, we waited. Indonesian boats began to cluster around us; Coast Guard, Navy and Harbour authority an armada, fussing around us like mother hens.
The first tender was loaded, 43 disembarking crew and their luggage and it left the platform, waiting for the 2nd tender to embark.
When that was complete, the Navy escorted them the on their 4½ mile journey from the ship to a disused Container dock, where there were facilities to test them. If they were ‘clear’, (they should be), they will have 7 days in an hotel before being transported to their abodes. (I didn’t go ashore to take these photos, they were sent by the agent, have no fear) 😯
All-in-all, after waiting for so long for this day, it all went surprisingly well. Here are a few photos of our ‘armada’, taken from the ship.
We will now wait here a while longer, we have some ‘fresh’ provisions to get on board and we need to offload our sludge, which is a mixture of water, solid material and high viscosity oil. This will be pumped into a dedicated tanker from Jakarta.
Once this is all completed, off to Manila for round 2, it should take us 5 days to get there and we will join the ‘queue’, there are literally ‘scores’ of cruise ships making their way there. Depending when we get away, late 11th or early 12th of May.
Now photos of our men and women, going through the process.
Dock reception
Loading provisions onto the tender
And into an hotel for 7 days
More later, stay well……………………………
Dear Captain,
I read on Philip’s Facebook page that the Amsterdam will be laying-up in Dubai. Is that still the case? Will our luggage be sent home from there?
Take care. You must be getting anxious to get off the ship. What a long farewell this has been for you and Karen.
All the Best,
Mary and Joe
Philip misinformed you I’m afraid, we were never going to Dubai, present plan us to lay up in Malaysia.
Thanks for the update. We saw Anam’s video of a whole bunch of very happy Indonesian crew members , and it does bring tears. Next is the Philippines – but what about you and Karen?
Will the ship stay in Southeast Asia or will you be able to sail it back to the U. S?
Stay safe and healthy.
John and Diane
Dear Captain Jonathan Mercer
We would like to said thank you very much for always care and keep us safe 🙏🙏🙏everytime,and finally brought 172 Indonesiam crew member debark at Jakarta
Terima Kasih .We wished Captain Mercer and all crew member that still sailing ,have a safe journey and always healthy.
We love you Captain Jonathan Mercer
Toni / Dining Room Staff
Thank you Toni, it all seems worthwhile now you are home. Stay well
Like everyone posting so glad the first crew getting off went well. Sad way for their job to end,but like anyone they need to be home with family. No one ever thought We would experience such a thing. No one going into retirement thought their jobs would end this way. Continue to do your job and HAL will say job well done like others need to hear that. And you can wipe your brow and say thank goodness that is over.
Hi Jonathan,
Yippee for progress. All the best for the continued success. You will have a lot of company in Manila but I am sure you are aware of the “Flotilla in Manila”. Keeping with you as so many others. Healthy and safe sailing. Kind regards to all, Rosie