"The Island That Humans Can't Conquer"

[wamer27]

Originally Posted by Bungalove

Well, trust me, even if you could get to those islands via a marine vessel like the Tiglax, one trip in a gale would be sufficient. The normal sailing time to Amchitka is 16 hours. We left in a gale once, and the trip back to Adak took 22 hours. I was never so sick in my life, prone in my wooden bunk with a roiling stomach (after I chucked everything in the head) and a migraine to boot. Good times!

What happens when boat captain becomes sick like you were? A boat where everyone is sea sick....autopilot?

[Bungalove]

Originally Posted by wamer27

What happens when boat captain becomes sick like you were? A boat where everyone is sea sick....autopilot?

The captain is so used to piloting those waters that he doesn't react to the gales with illness. I was so grateful to our captain for getting us through that gale on my first trip back from Amchitka. In fact, the entire crew was extremely helpful as well as competent. They also helped us prep for the trip by making us put on the emergency wet suits with the attached EPIRB beacons, and practice using a fire hose in case there was a fire on the vessel. I was actually the only person who became seasick - I'm a terrible sailor!

[Northrick]

Originally Posted by wamer27

What happens when boat captain becomes sick like you were? A boat where everyone is sea sick....autopilot?

You don't become a ship captain if you are prone to seasickness.

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by Bungalove

Well, trust me, even if you could get to those islands via a marine vessel like the Tiglax, one trip in a gale would be sufficient. The normal sailing time to Amchitka is 16 hours. We left in a gale once, and the trip back to Adak took 22 hours. I was never so sick in my life, prone in my wooden bunk with a roiling stomach (after I chucked everything in the head) and a migraine to boot. Good times!

I can only imagine!

[Sockeye66]

Originally Posted by Northrick

You don't become a ship captain if you are prone to seasickness.

At least you shouldn't.
I was on a vessel going through a rough False Pass crossing, the licensed 1st Mate was navigating & puking out the side window. My brewing espresso in the wheelhouse probably didn't help.

[alaskaflyer]

Originally Posted by Northrick

You don't become a ship captain if you are prone to seasickness.

1. Technically, every human being is subject to motion sickness, it is just the degree that varies. I have an iron stomach and am a pilot and former professional mariner. Once as a passenger on a USCG Jayhawk on a rescue mission we flew through a strong gale. Both pilots, both crewmembers and the other passenger and I were all terribly sick. When flying in the rear of small planes as an observer I can start to feel it when flying tight turns, but if I am the pilot flying I never have a problem. Not ever been seasick, yet.

2. I know several captains of various tonnage ratings who are fairly sensitive to seasickness. Why they chose the work anyhow varies I guess. Some have chosen mostly sheltered waterways such as Southeast Alaska or Great Lakes work to reduce their exposure to rolling, though once October rolls around they'll be rolling on the GL too.

[Northrick]

Originally Posted by alaskaflyer

1. Technically, every human being is subject to motion sickness, it is just the degree that varies. I have an iron stomach and am a pilot and former professional mariner. Once as a passenger on a USCG Jayhawk on a rescue mission we flew through a strong gale. Both pilots, both crewmembers and the other passenger and I were all terribly sick. When flying in the rear of small planes as an observer I can start to feel it when flying tight turns, but if I am the pilot flying I never have a problem. Not ever been seasick, yet.

2. I know several captains of various tonnage ratings who are fairly sensitive to seasickness. Why they chose the work anyhow varies I guess. Some have chosen mostly sheltered waterways such as Southeast Alaska or Great Lakes work to reduce their exposure to rolling, though once October rolls around they'll be rolling on the GL too.

I get what you are saying, but all the boats I've been on, the captain didn't appear to have any degree of motion sickness. I am prone to it, however, if I'm doing the flying or steering the boat I don't get sick. If I'm a passenger, it's a whole different story. I can't imagine going into that line of work if you are prone to motion sickness.

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by RayinAK

Good points. in relation to metal detecting, I am more interested on coins and other pocket-carry objects the Japanese and Americans lost in those islands. However, I don't plan to ever metal detect in such remote areas of Alaska. Some are probably off limits to the public, too.

Now I've got every reason to make a trip to that island.

[danielj72]

Living in a wilderness has an appeal. Usually though I picture a rugged beautiful place. These islands however are desolate and devoid of trees. It would take a special person who could tolerate the extreme isolation and a bleak environment that exists there. The ocean is likely the only source of food. Heat? Shelter? Cooking fuel? I suppose those are the problems that prevent anyone from staying there. I love the wilderness but that is just too remote and extreme.

The most interesting thing about those islands is their likely role in the pre history of North America. Being on the Beringia land bridge there must be some fascinating archeological sites hidden there. The story of 10000 years ago is written in the soil of those isolated islands.

[RayinAK]

Originally Posted by green_mariner

Now I've got every reason to make a trip to that island.

Metal detecting? The problem is that the vegetation covering the grown is too high for any efficient metal detecting. Maybe by the water-if any sandy beaches, but more than likely the shore is rocky. I have no idea, however, since I have never been that far from the mainland.