Читать книгу Into the Abyss. Diving to Adventure in the Liquid World онлайн

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As I watched the boat it took a big hit on a wave that altered its direction significantly. It suddenly dawned on me that the boat may well now circle fairly close to me. Sure enough, the bow of the boat started to turn towards me - and soon the bow was heading right at me. But the boat was continuing to turn and it wasn’t going to hit me – this time.

The boat rushed round in its eternal circle and as it did so I saw the water-ski rope still trailing out behind it. The rope wasn’t particularly long, perhaps about 20-25 feet. The Off switch for the outboard was mounted very close to where the rope was attached to the water ski hook – if I could pull myself up the rope I could perhaps get my hand up and switch off the engine.

I know now never to react in the first flush of emotion – it usually isn’t wise and can lead to more trouble. If I did nothing I would float out here not coming to any harm until either Derek got ashore and raised help – or the girls ashore realised that we were overdue and called for help. Either way, in my 7mm full diving wet suit I wasn’t going to come to any harm – I could float out there in relative warmth and comfort for 24 hours if need be. The Coastguard would know the currents and which way I would be swept. They would know where to look for me.