From one island to another
My name is Flora Ginocchio, I’m in charge of administration at the Société des Explorations de Monaco and I’ve been working on the preparation of the Indian Ocean mission since I arrived three years ago.
Due to the health crisis, the mission initially scheduled for spring 2021 had to be postponed to autumn 2022.
The search for a vessel available on these new dates was not easy.
In the end, the S.A. Agulhas II was the obvious choice.
It is one of the few oceanographic research vessels capable of accommodating a hundred participants.
Over the past year, preparations for the mission have intensified, with regular meetings with the shipowner and the various scientific partners.
First monthly, then fortnightly.
For family reasons, I chose not to go on board, as I couldn’t leave for two months at sea.
It was therefore agreed that I would act as a “rear base” from the Monaco Explorations office in the Oceanographic Museum.
I did, however, pop over to Mauritius to see the ship for myself and to help with the embarkation of participants and the loading of equipment.
Early morning: land in sight!
The contours of Reunion Island begin to take shape.
You can see its mountains in the center, its slopes covered in greenery.
Arrival at Le Port goes smoothly.
And so begins the boarding of the new participants who have made their way to Reunion Island.
I finally meet people with whom I’ve been exchanging video-conferences and e-mails for months.
I feel as if I already know them.
It’s a moment I’ll always remember.
Unfortunately, it’s already time to leave.
Tomorrow, I’m on the plane back to Monaco.
I’m leaving with a slightly heavy heart at not being able to take part in this human adventure any longer, but I’m happy to be contributing to this wonderful project!
Flora
Flora Ginocchio
Administrative manager of the Société des Explorations de Monaco
