From the Captain Garry McKechnie 23/03/06

We arrive at Brewer Reef around six in the morning and wait for the light for our divers to begin work. The first two sites are not in the path of the cyclone. We are here to continue the original coral bleaching survey. The divers can't help noticing however the damage that has occurred even this far from Larry's path. Paul has already reminded us that cyclones are part of the normal cycle of life on the reef. The question that arises is whether the stresses placed on the system by the combination of climate change, increased frequency of cyclonic activity and other factors such as crown of thorn starfish will prove to be more than the reef can deal with.

Our second site at Rib Reef is finished and we decide to make for Kelso Reef to anchor for the night. After an early meal of chicken curry, rice and sweet potatoes we fall into bed. I have set anchor watches as our anchorage is a little exposed. I awake in the middle of the night to the sound of the wind in the rigging. It is blowing over 25 knots but our anchor holds. All is well.