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01/09/2005: "Hu-16 ENGINE PROBLEM........Truk Island"

We landed just moments before a tropical thunder storm and heavy rain hit the airstrip. When the aircraft engine cover was removed to investigate an unfamiliar sound, part of the manifold fell onto the runway.

This delayed us at Truk for three days while repairs were made.

The bonus of this being a dive alongside the Philippe Cousteau filming team. They were documenting the Japanese underwater graveyard for the Jacques Cousteau TV series.

None of the French team (except Philippe) spoke English - which was how it was in their early days.

I was intrigued with their anti-shark billy - a stout one meter club with nails at the blunt end.

Grey reef whalers were presenting a diving hazard in those times, but not so today. Sharks have become educated.