Yellowwood Park teen gets opportunity sail aboard 109-year-old tall ship

A YELLOWWOOD Park teenager, Ethan Neil Govender, was given an opportunity of a lifetime as he embarked on a voyage aboard the 109-year-old tall ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, from Maputo (Mozambique) to Cape Town from January 3 to 13.

The 17-year-old, a Grade 12 learner from Glenwood Boys High School, said he was one of four learners from South Africa to have been invited to be a part of the One Ocean Expedition. Another Grade 12 learner, Joshua Gillett, from the same school, experienced the same amazing opportunity.

He said 60 learners from 32 countries were given the opportunity to be a part of the research expedition aboard the Norwegian vessel. The vessel has sailed across all the oceans of the world, studying marine life and ocean currents.

While aboard, the students were involved in analysing near-real-time satellite data in comparison to on-board collected data and ocean model fields. In addition, the learners also actively participated in crew-related watches and tasks.

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Govender, said he was grateful to have had the experience.

“When we were informed of the possibility by our life science teacher, I submitted a motivational letter as well as my life science marks. There were a number of applicants, but a team from Norway selected me, along with three other learners from South Africa. It was definitely a gift from God,” he said.

Govender said he boarded the vessel in Maputo on January 2, and had been assisting with sailing and research.

“On board the vessel, we were taken through the various expectations and we were given tasks. I was on watch from midnight to 4 am. We were told that we were not boarders, so we worked hard and learned many new skills. We learned how to handle the vessel, conduct the fire drills, and looked at samples of marine life. This type of research is necessary for the sustainability of the oceans. But, the vessel was really a floating university.

“When we arrived in Cape Town, we engaged in beach clean-ups. I also had the opportunity to give a speech at a reception which was held with the Norwegian Embassy, the CEO of the vessel, the Cape Town premier, and other officials on January 16.

“One of the many highlights having spent 10 days aboard was meeting the students from the different countries. We have forged life-long friendships and learned invaluable lessons that we will take back to our schools and communities. This has been one of the best experiences of my life, and now, I just want to go out there and make a difference,” he said.

Govender said he hopes to explore oceanography in the future. He returned to Durban on January 17.

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