I was on Dauphin Island today to revisit the Sea Lab Research Center, almost five years to the day since I stopped there during the Macondo Well blowout, known to most of you as the BP “spill.”
Dauphin Island, Alabama, is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico.
With more irony than is possible, today (Monday) residents are dealing with another disaster. Despite high seas and wind, the U.S. Coast Guard is continuing to search local waters for four lost sailors who were participating in the annual sailboat race on Saturday. A severe storm cell that was completely unexpected capsized and/or damaged ten boats. Three of the boats were participating in the race. Two people are confirmed dead, according to local reports. This story is too sad to pursue, so after stopping for a quick chat with the NBC News crew, I went on down to Sea Lab. More about Sea Lab later.
Authorities have asked all “good Samaritans” to stay of the water, since it is too dangerous for non-professional search and rescue personnel. The wind was so strong today that it was impossible to video without a tripod.
Sometimes, exposure to sorrow is just too much to bear and there is no point in a freelancer unnecessarily questioning rescue workers and family members. Family, especially, should be off limits in these kinds of situations. Maybe I am getting soft, but lately sorrow has become an emotional ball and chain for one who is losing the ability to be the phlegmatic observer.
I had a short chat with a municipal police officer at the marina. He was not here for the Macondo Disaster, but the past three days certainly took a comparable toll on him. Grief is howling on the wind here.
Been a long day.
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