3-day expedition turned awry. After travelling an average of 6.5 knots for 4 hours from Changi to Marina, my hobie TI unexpectedly took on water and was completely submerged within 30-45 mins before I could reach nearest landpoint.
My friend who was travelling on the same route but at least 1KM away on portside couldn’t reach me with headwind and current so I asked him to continue to St John/Lazarus Island as planned whilst I head for Marina.
As kayak was heavy with water, it couldnt overcome the strong current even though I reefed in the sails and deploy NK-180S electric motor at the rear mirage drive slot whilst I pedal in front. The entire kayak rear sunk with battery and speed controller below waterline and they had to be stowed on top of my SUP after 30mins or so to avoid more damage.
I deployed SOS electronic flare beacon as I continue to pedal forward with passing boats largely ignoring or did not see although I was reluctant to use my walkie talkie to radio for help.
As fatigue set in, I approached Sea Matrix who is a bunkering vessel refueling a tanker and waved for assistance. I was hoping they have some type of pump to help me bail out water from the kayak. My bilge pump could not be used as sea water kept gushing in when hatch is opened. I did regret not installing an automatic bilge pump although it needs a reliable waterproof power source!
The crew were very helpful and encouraged me to step aboard for coffee and rest whilst they radio MPA. They could not provide any further assistance as they need to leave in a few hours to refuel other vessels.
MPA responded very quickly but also unable to assist with any tow due to risks of my kayak sinking during tow. Asking my friend, who has arrived at Lazarus, for help as dusk falls imminently was akin to putting 2 lives in danger.
Given the weather has slightly improved, I decided to race for land to the closest point around Marina Pier where I knew I can transport my kayak home with road accessibility to cars. Moreover, I have had prior experience in recovering my kayak from granite shoreline.
MPA kindly and patiently escorted me for over an hour, blaring horn and blinker lights to alert passing or approaching vessel of my presence.
It was about 7.30pm when I reached the granite shoreline, completely exhausted not having had any food all morning except 2 cans of coke. Over the rest of the night till morning, I recovered all my equipment from kayak and bailed the water out during low tide and hauled my kayak back to land singlehandedly. My familiarity with the vicinity from Episode 8 certainly helped.
My brother arrived in the morning with my car and I made another trip to Sentosa to recover and extract my friend CB and his kayak who spent the night alone at Lazarus.
Extensive testing was carried out and rear hatch gasket failure was identified as the main cause. Due to rough waves, once the rear is below waterline, the sea water would have no issue in filling her up quickly.
There is no one to be blame for this situation except my own luck. We know there is always risks and danger at sea and we must be prepared to deal with any issues on our own. Kayak will also have wear and tear so the lesson learnt is to inspect the vessel before any long voyage.
#sos
#hobietandemisland