34. Carina
THIRTY-FOUR
CARINA
It’s easy to get in a rhythm when you’re doing the same thing every day, and that’s what week three on the boat feels like.
Our work is meaningful, but sometimes it’s monotonous.
Henrik would probably call it boring and dull since it isn’t as thrilling as crab fishing—of which I’m grateful for.
We’ve had smooth, dare I say, easy sailing.
However, when the calendar rolls to July, the weather in the Bering Sea shifts, and the winds arrive.
“Man, it’s windy today,” I say shortly after stepping on deck. This is the third day in a row like this.
“This is nothing, Carina. On the Brina, we don’t start worrying until the wind speed nears thirty knots,” Edgar says.
“Henrik and the Brina don’t even feel these baby gusts.
” With Edgar spending most of his time on deck assisting us, I’ve been able to get to know him better.
Unlike his brother, he’s a happy-go-lucky guy who doesn’t take too many things seriously.
Well, unless it’s crabbing and boat safety.
The entire survey crew got a taste of that today when we’re hauling sample pots to gather more research.
The wind was blowing around fifteen knots. Mind you, that isn’t a dangerous speed, but you need to be cognizant of where you walk when traversing the deck. Peter learns that the hard way when he’s running over to stabilize a wayward pot and Edgar shouts, “Watch out,” just as it swings back at him.
Moving quickly, trying to avoid danger, he steps in the wrong spot.
The next seconds are some of the scariest in my life.
I hold my breath as I watch him fall to the deck and quickly get pulled to the edge of the boat.
Fear clenches my heart at the sound of his screams. The closer he gets to the edge, the higher pitched they grow and the faster he flails his arms. Thinking fast, Kai, who is operating the lift, yells, “Everyone move!” before dropping the pot to the deck.
And like he’s rehearsed it a dozen times, Edgar dives at Peter, pulls a knife from the sheath on his hip, and severs the rope hooked around Peter’s boot.
Holy shit. The intensity of what just happened finally sinks in, and my body trembles with the extra adrenaline running through it.
I lower myself to the deck and tuck my head between my knees, forcing myself to take deep breaths.
I look up several times to make sure Peter is fine. Thanks to Kai and Edgar, he is.
When Henrik and I had talked about crabbing, I had no real understanding of the risks they constantly face. With horrific weather, an unsteady ship, and sleep deprivation, it’s easy to understand how in seconds, a day can change drastically.
Once I regulate my breathing, I move over to Peter to check on him. “Peter, are you okay?”
Still pale as a ghost, he chokes out, “Thanks to Kai and Edgar and their quick reflexes, I am.”
I look over at Edgar. “Thank you for jumping in to save Peter.”
He nods. His eyes are dark and stormy, haunted, as he answers, “It’s all part of the job.” I can’t help but wonder how many lives he’s saved with his quick reactions.
Edgar stands up, puts his knife back in his sheath, and goes over to the hydraulic lift to exchange words with Kai. Returning to my computer to log details on each new crab we encounter, I see Edgar leave the deck. He, too, must need a moment to process the close call.
I’m expecting word to get back to Henrik, and when it does, I anticipate he’ll want to have a conversation with me about my fears.
Later that night, when I deliver his dinner, he tugs me close and wraps his arms around me. “I heard about what happened on deck today with Peter. Is he okay?”
I nuzzle into his chest and mumble, “He’s okay.
” Until now, I hadn’t realized how much I need the comfort he’s offering.
This afternoon had been scary, and it had turned some of my fears into live-action events.
Regardless of how much it shook me up, I’d walked away from the entire experience with fresh eyes.
Yes, I’d seen what happened, but I’d also seen how Henrik’s crew had responded.
My confidence in this boat and her crew had grown just from witnessing their incredible response.
Am I over my deep-seated fears? No, but I know the Brina crew is smart, safe, and responsive.
“And how are you? I know that had to be scary to watch.”
Squeezing my arms around him tightly, I answer, “Yes, it was scary. But Kai’s and Edgar’s responses ensured Peter’s safety. And knowing that, I’m better than I would have expected.”
Gently, he sets his lips on mine and steals a slow, passionate kiss.