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Traveler Fyodor Konyukhov experiences problems with getting drinking water

VLADIVOSTOK, April 19, /ITAR-TASS/. The Turgoyak boat, on board of which Russian Fyodor Konyukhov continues his solo rowing voyage across the Pacific Ocean, is covered with water plants to the extent, where he is experiencing problems with getting drinking water.

On Friday, while communicating with Moscow, he said he was about to get drinking water. He turned on the device desalinating sea water, but the apparatus was producing heavy noise instead of a drop of water. As the traveller inspected the entire system, he realised the problem was in taking water from the ocean.

He had to dive twice, and saw the pipe taking water was filled with water plants. With a screwdriver he cleared the pipe, and afterwards could barely return onboard the boat.

“I got to the deck - hands and feet were trembling - I am very week after the hundred days (in the ocean), it was very difficult to climb the boat. I had not installed the ladder - was too lazy to look for it, hoped I would manage without it, but in reality it required great efforts, though the deck is not too high from the ocean surface,” Fyodor said.

He also said “it was scary in the ocean” as he saw “this black abyss underneath.” Fyodor compared the experience with going into the open space. “But anyway, I did what I had to do, have cleared the pipe, and the machine is working now.”

In the ocean’s “open space” Fyodor remained for 10-15 minutes. While under the water he examined the Turgoyak from stern to head, and all the time was looking around fearing to see sharks. “Thank God, I have not seen any living creature.”

The traveller said the boat had most water plants and shells right under the waterline, and the bottom was rather clean, as it had been painted with six layers of a non-sticky paint.

Yesterday, while cleaning the boat, Fyodor dived into the ocean for the second time during his rowing voyage, which began on December 22.

“I hope I shall not have to repeat the experience. Yesterday was Maundy Thursday, so I had a ‘bath’,” the traveller said in the end of the communication session.

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