Latest Expedition Journal

November 9: Day 38

A Captain's Reflections - by Jason Quilter

A ship at rest. The SSV Robert C. Seamans safely docked this morning in Honolulu, Hawaii at 0800. Docklines now tether the ship to a distant shore and her flags fly proudly in the steady northeast trade winds. The stunning backdrop of the Diamond Head volcanic crater silhouettes the tall masts of our ship as we conclude the final moments of our voyage. We mustered one last time on the ship’s quarterdeck to say goodbye to our shipmates and to reflect on our accomplishments.

We have completed the Plastics at SEA: North Pacific Expedition 2012, an historic, 2,600-nautical mile, 36-day journey. Through the teamwork and exceptional efforts by the entire ship’s crew of 38 people, we have successfully sailed the Robert C. Seamans from San Diego, CA through the North Pacific subtropical gyre and down to the Hawaiian Islands.

Our oceanographic research mission has been fulfilled by our dedicated scientists, researchers, and hardworking crew who spent countless hours deploying sampling equipment and tallying the plastic pieces retrieved in our nets. The ship was kept safe and running smoothly by the never ending vigilance and constant care from her devoted…

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