Grafton (ZCBO5) 13-04-2008 0300
Phenomenon: Bioluminescence
Ship name: GRAFTON
Call sign: ZCBO5
Voyage from/to: GUAIBA ISLAND, BRAZIL / SINGAPORE
Position: 35-00S; 022-00E
Date/time of observation: 13-04-2008 / 03:00
Observer A: VIKASH VV D/C
Observer B: MACHADO JA 2/0
Captain: CHAUHAN R
Description: When making way at 11.4 knots on a true course of 085 degrees while transiting the South african coast Intense bioluminescence was observed around vessel's bow, ship side and propeller wake for about 1-2 cables around the vessel. The water was sparkling bright as though millions of fireflies floating on the water surface. Initially it made me believe that the light was the reflection of the starboard side green navigational light through the ship generated waves but then realised that it wasn't so as it existed even on the port side and the wake of the ship. Each glow lasted for about 4-5 seconds for a continuous length of about 60 Nautical Miles. At the time of observation the sea condition was Wind Force - 4, Sea Force 3 and a slight SE'ly swell.
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