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To view images from Gaelin’s trip to the Gulf, visit:

www.globaloceanexploration.com

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No ocean going expedition is without its risks and I learned firsthand about this on August 23^rd. I woke up not feeling great but with the change in environment, schedule and food, I didn’t think much of it. Plus I am young, fit and healthy…nothing could medically happen to me out here except maybe some kind of physical injury. But as the day progressed and I felt worse and worse, I found out that I could not have been more wrong as, by 8pm, I found myself being medevaced off of the ship.

In the early evening, it was determined that I needed to get off the ship and to a hospital. Fortunately, we were close to shore (approximately 30 miles- the closest I have ever been on an expedition) and a Coast Guard Helicopter was dispatched from New Orleans. Right around sunset, the chopper arrived, the swimmer was lowered and I was soaring in a basket over the Gulf of Mexico being lifted into the chopper. The ride took about an hour and we landed on the roof of the hospital where they began to administer care. It turned out that I had a major internal bleed from my stomach and had lost over one third of my blood by the time I had gotten there. I was very lucky to be in such close proximity to land. The crew of the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown was incredible in how quickly they got me off of the ship and I am forever thankful for their swift action.

After a few nights in the hospital in New Orleans, I am back home recuperating. The docs say I should be back ready to go soon and this should not happen again. I am definitely bummed that I missed the rest of the expedition but hopefully will be able to join them again next year. Despite the seriousness of this situation, it has only increased my desire to get back out there and do more in my exploration of the ocean and the planet. Life is fragile but as my mantra has always been, “if you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much room…”

Heartfelt thanks to the crew of the NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown, the science team of the Lophelia II cruise, the US Coast Guard (especially the crew of the helicopter from the CGAS New Orleans), and the docs and nurses at Tulane Medical Center.

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In the basket about to be pulled into the helo

The Coast Guard Swimmer being hoisted back into the helo.

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Inside the helo on the way to New Orleans…

(Thanks to everyone on the ship for the great pictures)

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We have added images and information from our “Arctic Salmon” expedition on the Global Ocean Exploration Website…Head on over and check it all out!!!

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http://www.globaloceanexploration.com

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Explorers Club Flag #81 at 68 degrees North

As many people know, I set strange goals for myself.  One was to set foot on the seven continents before I was 25, I did this…Well going below the Antarctic Circle and above the Arctic Circle before I am 30 is another of these goals.  With passing the Arctic Circle this evening at 10:43, I have accomplished this goal! Needless to say, I am very excited so I took a picture next to the map with the location. 

We are now above the Arctic Circle just west of the Voering Plateau…Still steaming…

After a bit of time on land, it is time for Gaelin and Global Ocean Exploration to head back out to sea.  We will be embarking on the R/V Celtic Explorer departing from Killybegs, Ireland and heading north into the Norwegian Sea.  Gaelin is honored to be carrying the Explorers Club Flag #81 on this expedition.  

The purpose of the voyage is to track Atlantic Salmon Migration at Sea.  The scientists I will be working with have completed a comprehensive genetic map of the rivers of Northern Europe and now are taking their sampling out into the ocean where they will collect specimens in order to add the ocean migrations into this map.  Understanding where the Atlantic Salmon go once they leave the rivers is of vital importance to creating conservation strategies for this fish prized for food and sport fishing.  

Currently, I am finishing my preparations to fly out to Ireland this evening where I will visit the Marine Institute, get some final safety certifications and then head out to sea on Tuesday.  Stay tuned to the blog for updates about the voyage and the science, and lots of pictures!  

Map of Voyage

We are hoping to be updating on Facebook and Twitter as well.  For Facebook, become a fan of Global Ocean on our page: FACEBOOK LINK.  For Twitter, find us @gaelinr.