The Night Ferry Captain: An Interview with Lena Sorvik
intermediateworking220 words
She has crossed the same cold stretch of sea more than six thousand times. Captain Lena Sorvik talks about storms, a midnight wedding, and the one skill she has never learned.
Lena Sorvik has captained the night ferry between Port Alder and Grey Island for nineteen years. In that time she has crossed the same stretch of cold water more than six thousand times. We met her in the ship's small cafe an hour before departure.
Q: How long have you worked at sea?
A: I've been on boats since I was eighteen, so almost thirty years now. I started in the kitchen, washing dishes. I've done nearly every job on a ship since then.
Q: Have you ever cancelled a crossing?
A: Only twice. Both times the wind was too strong. Passengers get angry, but I've never regretted those decisions. The sea doesn't care about anyone's timetable.
Q: What's the strangest thing you've seen out there?
A: A wedding. Two passengers met on my ferry, and five years later they got married on the top deck at midnight. I've just had a card from them. They have a daughter now.
Q: You said the sea doesn't care. Does it ever frighten you?
A: Every night, a little. That's healthy. Here's my secret: I've never learned to swim. My crew knows. I think it makes me more careful.
Q: Have you thought about retiring?
A: I have, yes. But I haven't found a good enough reason to stay on land yet.