Deep Bonds from Shared Adversity

The tsunami washes into Hachinohe Harbor

The tsunami washes over the harbor

Inside the ship

　After a brief hesitation, I decided to undock the ship and sent crew ashore to release the mooring lines. However, from our vantage onboard the CHIKYU we soon visually confirmed the tsunami steadily approaching—a standing wall of white water stretching across the horizon. I immediately ordered the crew back aboard, abandoning the plan to release the lines.

　The tsunami struck, stretching the mooring lines thin. I ordered the crew to fully reel out the lines and cut then at their thinnest point, near the end, to separate the ship from shore. The tsunami overflowed the seawall and poured inland. When it again flowed back out to sea, it carried massive amounts of debris into the harbor, and we were tossed and turned by the maelstrom as though we were caught in a washing machine, I piloted to the middle of the harbor and tried to drop anchor, but was unable to hold position or steer. When the CHIKYU picked up speed in one direction, my basic strategy was to reduce that speed by maneuvering in the opposite heading. This was enough to ride out the worst of the waves; while we did sustain some damage, considering the conditions we were in, I believe we got off very lightly.

　The next afternoon, a Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter landed on the ship's helipad and evacuated the elementary school students. I was prepared to wait days or weeks for their rescue, so I was relieved that I was able to send the children home sooner than expected.

　A crisis like this is enough to make anyone feel terribly worried. At times like this, though, it is more important than ever to speak up and provide explanations of the situation. It’s vital to be able to explain why it is safer to remain aboard the ship than to evacuate ashore, or why we need to steam away from the shoreline right away, for instance.

　Prior to leaving port after the quake, we received invaluable support from many people around Hachinohe. To this day, when I meet those people and everyone who was aboard the CHIKYU during the tsunami, we tell each other "good work" and "thank you." Our connection through this experience will be a tremendous contribution to the success of our upcoming scientific expeditions.