We had around 200 staff & crew on board, with me the only woman.

While there may be perks of being the only woman aboard, I was many a time asked politely to leave our ‘conference-recreation-war room’ when the men wanted to share sailor humour. But jokes apart, I was generally not treated different from them. Often have I moved around in a boiler suit in their company…from funnel to tunnel.

The ship was under renovation & refurbishment.

I clearly remember this safety drill, where I decided to go down the marine evacuation chute draped in a saree, a piece of Indian attire that with its length and unsecured ends appears almost certain to turn in an emergency in to a life-threatening vestment.

I just wanted to be convinced that a woman, and many of our women passengers would be wearing such Indian attire, could evacuate safely through this system. Guess what? I was met with huge applause when I exited the chute securely, my saree taking the place of flying colours.

MV Angriya brought with it a multitude of experiences. The high point was when we saw it gliding off and sailing away to the high seas. Angriya signifies for me glory, achievement, and gratitude. It has taught me the ways of the sea.

Marex Media