Aurora & Oriana (II)
What a day this turned out to be.  Originally, Oriana's Christmas cruise was due to depart on the 16th December 2006 but because of the refit plans it was reduced to nine days from eleven.  Another freezing cold day and the marina was deserted save for a few dog walkers.  Some arrived for 5pm to wave people off.  As we arrived we wondered why the hi-speed ferry to Cowes was going slowly.  Then we saw a police boat, harbour master and coastguard helicopter apparently scouring the water.  Later we discovered by talking to a coastguard a security guard had gone missing from Oriana, last seen at 12.30pm and reported at 3.30pm.
Another coastguard told us fifteen minutes before sailing times they would shortly be giving up as the light was going.  The next day in the paper it said he was at home all the time!
As 5pm arrived we did wonder if this search would mean Oriana would leave late.  We don't know if it was the reason but Aurora cast off just after 5pm.  As she passed Oriana she gave two long blasts.  Oriana gave one long, five short, one long, five short and one long.  Aurora had the last word with one long, three short and one long.
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		(C) Copyright Patricia Dempsey 18th & 24th December 2006 Not to be reproduced without permission