Year 3 -27 April 2026 – Himmufushi -North Male Atoll – Maldives
I woke at a reasonable time but did not feel great. I had not slept well and felt like I had drunk too much water in the evening as I had to get up several times in the night. I went on a cockroach hunt in the night and only saw one which I sprayed. I then thought about leaving a light on in the galley and did so to deter them.
When I got up I felt somewhat drained and went to make some tea as you always feel better after that. I noticed Keith was up in the cockpit. He said we would have to go back to the medical centre as his right leg was swollen and painful and he had a rash on it. We had a cup of tea and then headed off about 7.30am in the dinghy. Keith had brought a prepared bag with him.
We walked slowly to the medical centre and were seen by the Dr quickly. He said he needed to do some blood tests and suggested I came back in 2 hours. Keith was put into the same bed whilst this was going on.
I went back to Stormbird and tried to eat some breakfast but had no appetite. I went to bed again and then rang Keith again about 10.15 am and he asked me to bring him a few things. I therefore went back to the clinic. They had some results from the test and it was not dengue fever. However, the Dr said he would have to go to Male for further tests etc. We had to wait some time for paperwork but eventually were released about 11.30am and the next ferry was 1.00pm. We therefore went to the bar in front of the ferries and had a soft drink and waited and I put Keith on the 1.00pm ferry. He did not want me to go with him as he would get a cab straight there.
I went back to the boat and went back to bed for a couple of hours and then got in touch with Keith. He had been seen and was on antibiotics and they were still doing various tests. I got in touch with the agent Asad and the hospital were asking about what they call a bystander. Asad say he would arrange and he called the hospital and they wanted payment and he would make the payment and we would sort it out later. I started a WhatsApp group with Keith, Naashiz, the bystander and Asad so we could all see what was going on.
The hospital continued their tests and it was not DVT but some poison in his blood- how that got in I do not know. We later heard he had been moved to ward 5 and the bystander was with him sleeping in the same room.
We decided after a day like today and as the ladies had been on board all day to go ashore for supper. We therefore went for an early supper and glad Keith was in the right place to treat his condition. We got back about 8.00pm and I went straight to bed. I think with all what is going on the boat issues that I need some rest.
The picture of the ladies in front of the Himmafushi sign.
Need/Opportunity Year Three
I will be going shortly from India to the Maldives and then on to Mauritius, Reunion, Cape Town, St Helena, Azores and back to the UK.
I am currently full which is great but if things change I will make this clear.
The blog will continue as we continue the journey. If you have any comments or suggestions about the blog then do email me on hine.nick9@gmail.com