Stuck at Sea
Trip of a lifetime with no end in sight -- life on small boats stuck at sea
While 38-year-olds Leslie and Andrew Godfrey enjoyed a five-day, 750-mile sailing passage from Sri Lanka to the Maldives, the whole world changed.
Without internet access, the couple had yet to learn that Covid-19 had continued to spread, becoming a pandemic.
From March 7 to 12, as they sailed across the Laccadive Sea toward the iridescent blue water of the northern Maldives, ports had begun slamming shut at a rate that no small sailboat could keep up with.
Countries such as the Maldives are in a difficult position when it comes to managing voyaging sailors. Its first priority is to stop virus transmission. But the Maldives also recognizes the pandemic as a humanitarian crisis.
With the goal of protecting their own population, officials have isolated boats including Sonrisa in one area, delivering basic supplies and permitting access to a deserted atoll.
Two months on, the Godfreys are still in that same seemingly idyllic spot. In reality, they're unable to go forward or back.
Stuck at sea. Safely together but unable to get home.
Wonder how many are in this same..... boat?
Grace & Peace & Love to you all -
Matt
