‘Anything on radar?’ the captain asked.
‘Nothing, sir, but now we are getting closer to the islands we must expect to see merchant and other shipping on a regular basis.’
‘I am aware of that. I have spent the bulk of my working life sailing the oceans of this world, including this part of the Atlantic.’
‘I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean—’
The navigating officer fell silent as the captain waved his hand in an irritated fashion.
‘This could be a long afternoon. I’m going to my cabin to take a short nap. Call me if you detect any aircraft approaching at low level, or when any other vessel comes within fifteen miles of us.’