Monday, February 24, 2014
Friday, February 21, 2014
AN AVID TV WATCHER
It is strange that some animals are able to make out images on television whilst others either choose to ignore it or are unable to translate the output.
Remy (above) is clearly able to see the images and only responds to animals (or cartoon animals above) by jumping up directly in front of the television to get a closer look. Remy is the kitten I rescued when he was being carried, more dead than alive, in the jaws of a vixen, late October.
Remy (above) is clearly able to see the images and only responds to animals (or cartoon animals above) by jumping up directly in front of the television to get a closer look. Remy is the kitten I rescued when he was being carried, more dead than alive, in the jaws of a vixen, late October.
WELCOME HOME
Well, she's back in Position 'A' some five miles off Maidencombe. Of course I'm referring to the Sanko Mineral which has been anchored, on and off, in Babbacombe Bay for over five months. Her outline, in daylight or illuminated in darkness is easily discerned now and even allowing for her distance offshore, I recognised her immediately on our Night Patrol a few minutes ago.
Welcome 'home' Sanko!
Welcome 'home' Sanko!
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Japanese interest in Sanko Mineral
Just noticed the Japanese taking an interest in the Sanko Mineral, which is 'sailing' under a Japanese flag. Japanese search engines noted on my sitemeter referrals the past couple of days.
WARSHIP BACK
Going out on our Night Patrol, spotted a single warship back in Babbacombe Bay, as is usual, lit up like a Christmas tree. Still nothing on AIS to reveal its presence. Evidently operational.
The Sanko Mneral is at anchor in the deep draught vessels’ anchorage some 5 kms south east of Hope's Nose, which is where she was back in September of last year. My thanks to Graham for keeping me supplied with relevant information concerning the Sanko Mineral.
The four buoys marking the exclusion zone over the wreck Emsstrom are malfunctioning - possibly due to the bad weather. They should be flashing blue and orange, roughly every second but now there are only two lights visible, flashing white.
The Sanko Mneral is at anchor in the deep draught vessels’ anchorage some 5 kms south east of Hope's Nose, which is where she was back in September of last year. My thanks to Graham for keeping me supplied with relevant information concerning the Sanko Mineral.
The four buoys marking the exclusion zone over the wreck Emsstrom are malfunctioning - possibly due to the bad weather. They should be flashing blue and orange, roughly every second but now there are only two lights visible, flashing white.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
WARSHIPS DISAPPEAR
The two Royal Navy warships which arrived yesterday off Maidencombe have departed and are still not showing on AIS. HMS Mersey is designated as 'Operational: Fishery protection' on the Royal Navy website although attempts to get the location of the vessel are unsuccessful.
MORE DAMAGE ON THE SOUTH WEST COAST PATH
A large branch has been sheared off by the storms on the South West Coast Path adjacent to Gypsy, two fields south of the path down to Maidencombe Cove. This adds to the woes of the coastal link path which is closed another two fields along after a recent landslip.
Monday, February 17, 2014
ROYAL NAVY OP IN PROGRESS OFF MAIDENCOMBE
Startled to see two Royal Navy warships - one very close in to shore - off Maidencombe a few minutes ago. Rushed out with both cameras to see if I could identify the vessels as both are currently cloaking AIS. The vessel (above left) closest in is HMS Mersey P283 a River-class offshore patrol vessel of the Royal Navy. I cannot make out the other vessel but it could be another River-class vessel, HMS Severn, which was last spotted close to shore off Babbacombe on December 8th last year. Probably a naval exercise and I'll try and get video and close in shots tomorrow if they're still there.
A CHANGE OF BAY
The Sanko Mineral has arrived back from refuelling off Falmouth but has, for now, changed location.
When she arrived on September 15th of last year, she positioned herself a little north east of Hope's Nose just within Babbacombe Bay.
Walking down the hill just after midnight, I could make out the unmistakable outline of the vessel loitering apparently the other side of Hope's Nose in Tor Bay.
Looking at the Live Ships site, the Sanko Mineral is currently anchored about a mile and a half south east of Hope's Nose and strictly speaking, now in Lyme Bay. Perhaps the crew want a change of scenery after spending three months off Maidencombe.
When she arrived on September 15th of last year, she positioned herself a little north east of Hope's Nose just within Babbacombe Bay.
Walking down the hill just after midnight, I could make out the unmistakable outline of the vessel loitering apparently the other side of Hope's Nose in Tor Bay.
Looking at the Live Ships site, the Sanko Mineral is currently anchored about a mile and a half south east of Hope's Nose and strictly speaking, now in Lyme Bay. Perhaps the crew want a change of scenery after spending three months off Maidencombe.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
ROUNDING EAST PRAWLE POINT
The Sanko Mineral is nearly 'home'! Rounding East Prawle point and under thirty miles off us now.
DESTINATION - BRIXHAM!
Just been alerted that the Sanko Mineral is now showing a destination ... Brixham! This means that most probably she will be coming back to take up station in Babbacombe Bay once more. Scheduled to arrive just before midnight tonight.
The continuing saga rolls on ...
The continuing saga rolls on ...
SANKO MINERAL UNDERWAY
Bunkering presumably completed, the Sanko Mineral is now underway, making 7.3 knots on a heading of 150 degrees away from Babbacombe Bay. Could she finally have destination orders?
BUNKERING PROCEDURE INITIATED?
Just checked the progress of the celebrated Sanko Mineral which left for Falmouth yesterday, presumably for refuelling.
She currently lies at the outer limits of Falmouth Bay at anchor. Virtually alongside is the UK flagged tanker Whitchampion which appears to have rendezvoused with the Sanko Mineral.
The bunkering (refuelling) procedures are complex and potentially hazardous with multiple checklists and precautions to be adhered to by both vessels.
Monitoring the situation closely.
She currently lies at the outer limits of Falmouth Bay at anchor. Virtually alongside is the UK flagged tanker Whitchampion which appears to have rendezvoused with the Sanko Mineral.
The bunkering (refuelling) procedures are complex and potentially hazardous with multiple checklists and precautions to be adhered to by both vessels.
Monitoring the situation closely.
SANKO MINERAL EN ROUTE FOR FALMOUTH
As per information received, the Sanko Mineral is underway, currently making 13.7 knots. The destination is Falmouth for bunkering (taking on fuel). It will be interesting to see where the vessel goes after that.
The vessel has been a permanent fixture in Babbacombe Bay since September 15th last year.
The vessel has been a permanent fixture in Babbacombe Bay since September 15th last year.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
A SLICE OF THE COMBE
Taken earlier this afternoon - looking south from Big Arrow. In the foreground is the historic Grade II Listed Court House (formerly Court Farm). Above and slightly to the right is Barn Hayes (formerly Barn Hayes Country Club) and at the top of the photo, nestling amid the trees are the eight cantilever Scandinavian style lodges that lie within Sladnor Park.
Friday, February 14, 2014
SANKO MINERAL RIDING OUT THE BAD WEATHER
I am indebted to the 'Grim Snapper' for providing me with information regarding the Sanko Mineral which is underway at very low speed in Babbacombe Bay.
Apparently the reason why the vessel is underway is that whilst moving, the vessel won't be prone to dragging its anchor or be under threat from other vessels doing likewise.
I am also informed that the Sanko Mineral will be sailing some time tomorrow as she is due to arrive in Falmouth at 1000 on Sunday – presumably to take bunkers and fresh water.
What her destination is after that is open to question, both the Grim Snapper and myself will not be surprised if she returns to take up station off Maidencombe once again.
Apparently the reason why the vessel is underway is that whilst moving, the vessel won't be prone to dragging its anchor or be under threat from other vessels doing likewise.
I am also informed that the Sanko Mineral will be sailing some time tomorrow as she is due to arrive in Falmouth at 1000 on Sunday – presumably to take bunkers and fresh water.
What her destination is after that is open to question, both the Grim Snapper and myself will not be surprised if she returns to take up station off Maidencombe once again.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
ODD CARGO VESSEL SHELTERING OFF MAIDENCOMBE
Noticed this odd looking vessel presently sheltering about 4 km offshore. It's the Valiant Energy, a Marshall Islands flagged cargo vessel en route to Falmouth down the coast. Unusual configuration for a cargo vessel along with the 'RESCUE ZONE' logo on the side.
The very strong winds of last night and today (over 50 mph gusting stronger at times) have eased off but we await, with some trepidation, the violent weather coming in for Friday.
A St Valentine Day's massacre?
The very strong winds of last night and today (over 50 mph gusting stronger at times) have eased off but we await, with some trepidation, the violent weather coming in for Friday.
A St Valentine Day's massacre?
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
SONY HX300 ZOOM TO MOON
A comparison with my old Canon Powershot SX40 (tripod mounted)
Click on both videos at the same time and you can evaluate the respective zooms of the cameras.
Monday, February 10, 2014
MONSTER ZOOM IS MINE
Collected my new camera yesterday and it's a crackerjack! The old Canon Powershot SX40 has given sterling service but had started to give the 'lens error - camera shutting down' message all too frequently which had begun to be frustrating. Its replacement is the Sony Cybershot HX300 which features an astonishing 50 X optical zoom and a monster 200 X digital zoom - which, as can be seen above - makes a huge difference. Both the above images are on automatic setting and the quality of the Sony image at extreme zoom is remarkable.
Now we'll be able to get right to the action on anything moored in Babbacombe Bay!
Now we'll be able to get right to the action on anything moored in Babbacombe Bay!
Saturday, February 08, 2014
ZOOM TO THE SANKO MINERAL
Thursday, February 06, 2014
TUG FEROX BACK ON AIS
As we surmised, the Ferox rerouted from its original destination of Lagos, Nigeria given the intense scrutiny of vessels arriving there by the Nigerian government. The Ferox has appeared on AIS and is currently anchored some 5 kms south of Lagos in Senegal. Interesting, anyone got further details?
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
TEMPORARY REPAIRS
I've spent the afternoon effecting temporary repairs to the damage caused by the storm force winds last night. The roofing felt was torn off my extension (above) and I've had to put a tarpaulin down to stop the rainwater coming through the flat roof.
Only just got in now (23:25 hrs) after replacing roof felt on two sheds which also were damaged. a short (thankfully) sharp shower ensued whilst I was on top of one shed with only the light from my head torch to see what I was doing.
Now having a cuppa before going out again on our Night Patrol around the combe, looking after various animals.
More heavy rain expected Thursday afternoon.
Only just got in now (23:25 hrs) after replacing roof felt on two sheds which also were damaged. a short (thankfully) sharp shower ensued whilst I was on top of one shed with only the light from my head torch to see what I was doing.
Now having a cuppa before going out again on our Night Patrol around the combe, looking after various animals.
More heavy rain expected Thursday afternoon.
ROUND & ROUND SHE GOES ...
More bizarre behaviour by the Sanko Mineral as she lies off Maidencombe. For the past few days, she has been prescribing a series of tight circles at low speed within the confines of Babbacombe Bay.
Round and round she goes, where she ends up, only the captain knows ...
Round and round she goes, where she ends up, only the captain knows ...
STORM FORCE 10 HITS MAIDENCOMBE
Awoke today to a trail of damage on my property. Roofing felt torn off both sheds and my extension with green branches ripped off trees and strewn across the bungalow and conservatory. Makeshift repairs will have to be made before the next batch of bad weather comes in tomorrow and at the weekend.
Nearby, Dawlish seafront is a disaster area with parts of the seawall gone and the rail line washed away in sections. The main rail line will be out of action for many weeks.
A neighbour reports a large tree down in his garden and there will be others throughout the combe.
Reports state that a Force 10 storm hit South Devon yesterday and overnight which exceeded the forecast gales.
Nearby, Dawlish seafront is a disaster area with parts of the seawall gone and the rail line washed away in sections. The main rail line will be out of action for many weeks.
A neighbour reports a large tree down in his garden and there will be others throughout the combe.
Reports state that a Force 10 storm hit South Devon yesterday and overnight which exceeded the forecast gales.
MAIDENCOMBE TAKES A BATTERING
Quite a frightening day here in Maidencombe Tuesday as severe gale force winds hit throughout the day and evening, bringing down small trees and branches around the combe. Wheelie bins were sent careering across the lanes and Brim Hill was blocked for a time with large branches coming down late evening.
Wind noise was severe with several gusts in excess of 60 mph. Of course the most destructive weather system to hit Maidencombe in the past 50 years was the Great Storm of 1987. I can still vividly recall the wind screeching and the large fir tree opposite my bungalow falling while I was outside in the garden trying to anchor the porch which was lifting off the ground. A colleague and friend, Jurgen, lost his life a short distance away when he was hit by a falling tree at about the same time.
A welcome lull in the wind for now but more gales are due to sweep in shortly.
Wind noise was severe with several gusts in excess of 60 mph. Of course the most destructive weather system to hit Maidencombe in the past 50 years was the Great Storm of 1987. I can still vividly recall the wind screeching and the large fir tree opposite my bungalow falling while I was outside in the garden trying to anchor the porch which was lifting off the ground. A colleague and friend, Jurgen, lost his life a short distance away when he was hit by a falling tree at about the same time.
A welcome lull in the wind for now but more gales are due to sweep in shortly.
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
BACK IN POSITION
Evidently another short maintenance cruise for the Sanko Mineral as she's now back in position off Maidencombe after a ten hour tour of Babbacombe Bay. After travelling at less than 1 knot on her south-bound track, the vessel picked up speed to 6+ knots on the return journey.
Monday, February 03, 2014
SANKO MINERAL UNDERWAY
The Sanko Mineral got underway mid-morning - that is if you count moving at 1 knot as underway. She is currently clearing Hope's Nose on a southward track. It remains to be seen if she is en route to any destination. The cargo vessel made a maintenance cruise of Lyme Bay at the end of December before returning to her original mooring off Maidencombe.
MAIDENCOMBE MAP BLUNDER
The council map at Maidencombe Cross |
Only Maidencombe Cove is correctly labelled |
map above.
The correct positions and names of the coves |
Hopefully forthcoming is our publication 'Coves of Maidencombe' and I'll give out information where you can purchase it from on this site when it comes available.
.
Saturday, February 01, 2014
CONTINUING SAGA OF THE SANKO MINERAL
The Greek owned, Japanese flagged cargo vessel, the Sanko Mineral first dropped anchor in Babbacombe Bay on September 15th of last year, presumably 'awaiting orders'.
One hundred and forty days later, she's still here and it's been a fascinating exercise - akin to a detective investigation - unravelling the strange story behind this extended stay in UK waters.
The Sanko Steamship Company - one of Japan's largest shipping companies - sought bankruptcy protection in July 2012. The previous month, the company owned sixteen ships outright but operated some 140 vessels on charter from other owners.
Earnings for cargo ship charter have collapsed since the 2008 financial crisis and Sanko found themselves in a position whereby fees to ship owners outweighed the income they could earn.
Some of Sanko's creditors attempted to recover unpaid charter fees by trying to seize the Sanko Mineral when she called at the US Port of Baltimore on May 8th 2012. She remained there for three months before being released on August 7th.
The same month, the Sanko Mineral allegedly was in collision with a moored barge in the Mississippi River during Hurricane Isaac in August 2012. The owners of the barge sought compensation.
The ship managed to evade internment by the US authorities and now she lies off Maidencombe in limbo.
On December 23rd of last year, the Sanko Mineral embarked on a maintenance cruise around Lyme Bay after being at anchor for over three months.
Formerly owned outright by Sanko Steamship, the Sanko Mineral reportedly passed into Greek ownership in 2012 for $21.5 million.
Who is paying the crew for this self-imposed internment off Maidencombe is a mystery.
One hundred and forty days later, she's still here and it's been a fascinating exercise - akin to a detective investigation - unravelling the strange story behind this extended stay in UK waters.
The Sanko Steamship Company - one of Japan's largest shipping companies - sought bankruptcy protection in July 2012. The previous month, the company owned sixteen ships outright but operated some 140 vessels on charter from other owners.
Earnings for cargo ship charter have collapsed since the 2008 financial crisis and Sanko found themselves in a position whereby fees to ship owners outweighed the income they could earn.
Some of Sanko's creditors attempted to recover unpaid charter fees by trying to seize the Sanko Mineral when she called at the US Port of Baltimore on May 8th 2012. She remained there for three months before being released on August 7th.
The same month, the Sanko Mineral allegedly was in collision with a moored barge in the Mississippi River during Hurricane Isaac in August 2012. The owners of the barge sought compensation.
The ship managed to evade internment by the US authorities and now she lies off Maidencombe in limbo.
On December 23rd of last year, the Sanko Mineral embarked on a maintenance cruise around Lyme Bay after being at anchor for over three months.
Formerly owned outright by Sanko Steamship, the Sanko Mineral reportedly passed into Greek ownership in 2012 for $21.5 million.
Who is paying the crew for this self-imposed internment off Maidencombe is a mystery.
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