Cozumel, the Philippines, the Caymans, Florida: Undercurrent 07/2024

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As I write this article about resorts and liveaboards, the good and the not-so-good, Hurricane Beryl is devasting Caribbean islands, leaving great damage and sorrow behind.

I observed my wife being 'launched' into the space between bunks.

As one of the earliest massive hurricanes ever recorded in the region, it's one more example of unbridled climate change. This is expected to be a major hurricane season, which doesn't bode well for divers planning Caribbean trips. While travel insurance is important, ordinary insurance usually doesn't cover a pretrip cancellation just because a hurricane is predicted; airlines continue to fly up to a day or so before hurricanes, and generally your trip must be interrupted or canceled. The more expensive "Cancel for Any Reason Policy" can protect you.

A Mini Hurricane

Obviously, you don't want to be at sea during a hurricane or any severe storm. However, one of our long-time correspondents, Ron Johnson (Katy, TX), got caught in what he calls a "mini-hurricane" in late June, returning to Grand Cayman from Little Cayman aboard the Cayman Aggressor.

"Ten-foot-plus seas! Never in my life have I seen such tumult in the ocean. Our 120-foot Cayman Aggressor was pitched and tossed all over. I observed my wife being 'launched' into the space between bunks. She actually caught air! Gear came loose and flew across the dive deck! The Aggressor's adept crew knew how to navigate this gale and keep us all safe. Mili, one of the proficient Cayman Aggressor's divemasters, caught me flying across the salon. Amazing how a fit, thin 120-pound Argentinian woman kept this 200-lb-plus man from losing his balance and breaking a hip! Due to being cabin sequestered, there was nothing to do but read or watch a movie. I watched 'Catch Me If You Can' four times during the more than eight hour crossing."...

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