What would you do if you were stuck on a ship, far from loved ones, and you had no idea how - or when - you'd get home? A BBC podcast follows the story of how one young woman's life took an unexpectedly wild turn.
It is New Year's Eve 2019 and Giulia Baccosi is at a party with friends when her phone pings. The 31-year-old has recently accepted a new job in Sicily, but isn't sure she's made the right call.
My heart was telling me maybe I should reconsider, Giulia says. I look up at the sky and ask the universe for a sign - to let me know if I am on the right path. The message flashes up on her phone is from a friend, stating a cargo ship carrying rum and olive oil from Europe to Central America needs a cook.
Deciding to take the job rather than the one in Sicily, she anticipates that the voyage would last about three months. However, her plans soon take a dramatic turn.
In early January, the ship Avontuur sets sail from Germany towards the North Sea. The crew soon stops in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, joining in the lively carnival celebrations, only to receive alarming news of a mysterious illness affecting holidaymakers on the island.
As the voyage continues, an alarming situation arises when they encounter a dangerous light on the horizon, leading to a humanitarian rescue of distressed migrants adrift for days at sea. Giulia serves them food and medical attention, reflecting on the human tragedies that play out on the ocean.
Just days later, the world begins to lock down due to Covid-19. The crew finds themselves cut off from the world, trying to navigate the challenges of food shortages while dealing with increasing tensions aboard the confined space of the ship.
Through sheer determination and creativity, the crew improvise in order to cook meals and maintain morale, occasionally rediscovering joy through playful interactions and the wonders of nature surrounding them.
After 188 days at sea, the Avontuur approaches Hamburg. Giulia’s emotional journey culminates in a bittersweet homecoming; although she feels changed by her experiences, she remains drawn to the sea and its adventures. Five years later, also aboard another ship, she continues to seek the universe’s signs.
