On May 31st, our researchers eagerly await the departure of the Cape Hatteras. Prior to, we are given the run-down of emergency drills, expectations, and even mythological stories relating to the character known as Bima. After furthering my research of this story, I can confirm that this epic tail aligns quite well to our very own story as researchers journeying out to sea.

Photo courtesy by: Jeff Janowski / UNCW

© 2019 – Rosalia Sciortino

Above portrays Bima, a hero of the epic Mahabharata, battling a dragon on his journey to the sea to find Parwita (pure) water (a symbol of purity and self- authenticity) and sacred knowledge (Rosalia Sciortino: An Outsider-Insider View of Southeast Asia, 2019). Bima’s journey of the South Sea is met with large waves and many challenges, similar to that of a research cruise.

Photo courtesy by: Jeff Janowski / UNCW

After tails of the sea, instruments and equipment are assembled, for early Sunday morning our scientists will awake to surrounding seas and mooring deployment!

Above the Mooring is prepared by researchers Riley Morse and Sam Flounders.