Yachting Monthly

THE DEADLIEST PLACE ON EARTH TO ANCHOR?

Lightning struck the sea next to the boat as we made slow going in a 4m confused swell on the 190-mile passage from Enggano. By dawn the weather system had eased and Krakatoa lay in front of us.

Our plan was to sail to Borneo from Thailand round the western coast of Sumatra, taking in the remote Mentawai islands and the Krakatoa archipelago on the way. In 2018 Anak Krakatoa began chucking clouds of dust and magma into the air. But it was not considered dangerous, and a couple of friends had sent back images of the smoking volcano from their boats where they anchored. Then, as we prepared to leave Thailand in December, news of a devastating explosion at Anak Krakatoa rocked Southeast Asia. The tsunami which followed killed more than 400 people, injuring a further 7,000 and displacing 47,000 from their homes on Sumatra and Java. Like many people, we donated

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Yachting Monthly

Yachting Monthly2 min read
How Do I Stop My Fenders Popping Out?
Q Whilst moving into a small concrete-lined cove to be lifted out of the water, a crosswind pushed our boat against the wall and the fenders on the lee side were squished so hard that they ‘popped’ up like flying balloons. As a result, our hull was e
Yachting Monthly4 min read
Your Cruising Community
Situated in arguably one of Suffolk’s prettiest villages and under the watchful eye of its medieval castle and church, Orford Sailing Club celebrates its centenary in 2024. The club is situated on the foreshore of the River Ore close to Orford Quay,
Yachting Monthly8 min read
Affordable Routes Into Sailing
Pardon the liberal use of cliches, but as somebody once said, ‘Sailing equates to standing in a cold shower tearing up £10 notes.’ If it’s racing, it will be £50 notes you’re shredding! And as a wise soul further commented, ‘The two happiest days in

Related Books & Audiobooks