A peaceful tranquility that makes the horrors some 100 nautical miles from here seem implausible.
As we head out into open waters with an Indonesian Search and Rescue boat, the winds pick up and the waves increase. The weather forecast Sunday was better than previous days — the crew confirms it is an improvement — but conditions are still rough.
Looking out at the vast expanse of the Java Sea, the crew tries to spot bodies or debris from AirAsia Flight QZ8501. As I think I might have seen something, it disappears beneath a wave and does not always resurface. Pieces of wood, rubbish or seaweed confuse the naked eye.
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An hour-long attempt to transfer the inflatable boat needed to help operate the locator ends in frustration amid rough seas and fading light.
As night falls with only half a mission accomplished, the deflated crew turns for port determined to try again tomorrow.
They’ll have a few hours sleep ahead of another long day.
