I last left off on Sunday evening, Monday brought clear skies and more CHIRP mapping and more tries with the box corer as we made our way back to Messina. Francesca Budillon was busy writing up her report and others were finishing up their work and packing things away. I was able to catch up with Renato Toneilli; a paleontologist turned marine geoscientist from CNR-IAMC Naples. Here is what he had to say:

Q. You started out as a paleontologist. Can you explain why you decided to switch to the marine science side?

RT: Research in paleontology topics is not well funded in Italy; it is a science that appears to be devoted to the pure curiosity. Today we need more technology and it is easier to find a position as a technologist.

Q. What results are you hoping to achieve from this cruise?

RT: To increase the mapping and complete the mapping of this area, which is very important from a morpho-bathymetric point of view. I would like to devote my experience to research in Italy on these target areas covered in the SUB 2 cruise.

Q. What is the biggest challenge for you on this cruise?

RT: Normally I work in shallow waters focusing on the slope and shelf sectors, where I acquire large amounts of data which I have to filter, but since we are working on particularly very deep areas I have had to change my way of working and adapt to the deep sea so I must change my parameters. That has been my biggest challenge.

Q. Is there anything else you would like to say?

RT: Yes, I want to say that I am very happy that the people who control the money and funding are aware that our research is important. I think that your role as a journalist is important, because you can communicate the importance of what we do to a broader audience.

 

I also had a chance to catch up with the ship’s Captain Vincenzo Lubrano Lavadera, a native of Procida near Naples.

Q. How long have you been involved in research cruises?

VLL: It has been many years; I first started working on a research vessel in 1982 as a third officer not a captain. I have been a Captain and master of a research vessel since 1987.

Q. What is the most difficult part of your work?

VLL: There really aren’t very many difficulties about working on board this vessel. I think the most important thing is that when the scientists arrive on board the ship they must be able to work in safe conditions, and second it is important that my staff is available to help them with their work. The Captain must make sure that he is also available to the scientists and has a good collaboration with them. Especially if we have bad weather, then it is up to the Captain to decide if we can try to continue to sample, or if the conditions are too dangerous that we must try later. The Captain has to anticipate if the conditions may worsen and if the instruments might get broken or damaged, or if the scientists might get hurt.

Q. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

VLL: Ah yes, for me it is important that I like this work, because if I don’t like this work it is not possible to be on this vessel. Because the research vessel is different from other ships, other vessels start at point A and go to point B. Research vessels go to many different points. What gives me satisfaction, is when the scientists leave I want them to feel that we have helped them make the maximum of their work on board the Urania.

Q. You certainly have achieved a very friendly atmosphere between the crew and the scientists. Do you have any other secrets for your success?

VLL: Yes, I always request on board my vessel a good cook! People come eat on board then go away, and if they did not like the food then they say the Urania is no good. But if you have a good chef, and they like the food then well then the Urania is a great ship to be on.

	Most of the SUB2 Leg 1 Team storm survivors on deck for some sunshine

On our way back to Messina Captain Lubrano Lavadera treated us to a close up of Ustica Island, a summer hot spot, which now was quite deserted, but we got waves from a few locals who were out fishing. We all remarked about the hundreds, and hundreds of jellyfish which inhabited the waters. As a finale to our cruise, Captain Lubrano had a special treat in mind and at 2 AM, we were to meet on the bridge, where we would see the streaming lava and a lava show as we passed Stromboli Island. It is best viewed at night. Most all of us made that rendezvous. It was a spectacular sight as the volcano spouted glowing red lava into the air and down the hillside intermittently. Renato Tonielli took pity on my attempts at taking a picture and said he would send me a good one.

We were back in Messina on Tuesday morning, to packing and paperwork, lots of goodbyes and promises of collaboration. Despite the bad weather CIESM SUB 2 Leg 1 was acknowledged as a big success by all aboard. We also greeted arriving scientists embarking for Leg 2, and wished them better luck with the weather.

I am Siri Campbell reporting from R/V Urania.