Exploration Challenges and Innovations

Exploring the islands of Indonesia posed significant challenges due to the lack of GPS and vast distances over water, leading to anxious moments for the crew on the Craystar as they navigated between islands. The ship was designed as part floating exploration camp and part laboratory, which was essential for CRA's expeditions in search of copper deposits in the late 1960s. The innovative decision to incorporate a helicopter onto the Japanese trawler allowed for rapid reconnaissance and testing of areas that were otherwise inaccessible, particularly in the thick jungles of the region. This exploration was a response to the competitive landscape, where insights gained from findings were crucial for staying ahead of rival mining companies.