Thursday, October 31, 2013
Monday, October 28, 2013
AFTER THE STORM - CHECK ON VESSELS OFF MAIDENCOMBE
Maidencombe Village - in the lee of the storm
I stayed up most of the night monitoring Storm Christian and ensuring my property was secure, but down in the sheltered bowl of Maidencombe and the village, we were in the lee of the storm.
There were a few strong gusts which threatened to build but they died away. Across Lyme Bay, gusts of 81 mph were recorded at Portland as well as over 60 mph at Brixham and Plymouth. Rainfall was somewhat less than I thought; I recorded just under two inches falling throughout the night. I even managed to go out on the Night Patrol and, despite the rain and wind, a few brave but hungry animals were waiting for me. The strongest of the winds were funnelled in the corridors of Steep Hill and Rockhouse Lane.
Pretty tired but mightily relieved, here at Cruisedog Towers in Maidencombe.
There were a few strong gusts which threatened to build but they died away. Across Lyme Bay, gusts of 81 mph were recorded at Portland as well as over 60 mph at Brixham and Plymouth. Rainfall was somewhat less than I thought; I recorded just under two inches falling throughout the night. I even managed to go out on the Night Patrol and, despite the rain and wind, a few brave but hungry animals were waiting for me. The strongest of the winds were funnelled in the corridors of Steep Hill and Rockhouse Lane.
Pretty tired but mightily relieved, here at Cruisedog Towers in Maidencombe.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
TUG MORE & VESSELS RIDING OUT STORM CHRISTIAN
Since leaving Rotterdam en route for Dakar, Senegal on October 18th with two inland tankers, the Novara and Flot 5, the More has been 'holed up' east of the Cherbourg peninsula and is currently riding out the gale force winds whipped up by Storm Christian. Metcheck Europe indicates winds of up to 63 mph in its 'sheltered' mooring off the French coast. With hindsight, probably not a good idea to start this expedition at this time of year. The Ferox group, to my knowledge, remains in the safety of Poole Harbour.
STORM CHRISTIAN APPROACHES - AND A LITTLE STORY
Friday, October 25, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
CHINA PEACE SHELTERING IN TORBAY
The Hongkong flagged cargo vessel China Peace is currently sheltering in Torbay en route to her destination of Rotterdam.
DOOMSDAY WEATHER FORECAST FOR THIS MONDAY
The 'Storm of the Century' is forecast for this Monday and is expected to bring severe or storm force winds to Wales and
south-west England in the morning and across central to south-east
Britain in the afternoon. It's little wonder that the Ferox flotilla has scuttled across Lyme bay to seek shelter in Poole Harbour as its former anchorage in Babbacombe Bay would have been rendered unsafe in such winds which may be in the order of 70-90 miles per hour.
The relevance and possible danger to us in Maidencombe will become clearer on Saturday, but I will be preparing for the worst in case this forecast is accurate.
The relevance and possible danger to us in Maidencombe will become clearer on Saturday, but I will be preparing for the worst in case this forecast is accurate.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
AIS ON VESSELS
AIS or Automatic Identification System is required on all international voyaging ships with gross tonnage (GT) of 300 or more and all passenger ships regardless of size.
This requirement may not be stringently enforced if the vessel in question is under tow as evidenced by the two towing operations we are currently following here. BUT, and it is a big but, it is a major concern that the inland tankers/barges/what have you that may be accompanying such tows, are not operating AIS transceivers/transponders. This is of grave concern to agencies and authorities who need this information should the vessel in question get into difficulties and a rescue operation has to be mounted. An example follows. This is a translated fragment from:
http://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/zeevaart/nid16369-tanker-vestland-breekt-en-zinkt-op-weg-naar-nigeria.html
On September 5th 2011, the tanker Vestland, an inland tanker which was recently sold to a Nigerian, became detached from the Panamian tug Courbet during a storm, broke in two and sank. The French authorities found the events surrounding the transport irresponsible and are seeking redress from the insurer. The French were also very concerned about the Atlantic Trader (in the same convoy) making its own way because it was not equipped with AIS and could not be traced.
The United States are tightening their requirements for AIS on shipping this year and other countries may well follow suit.
If you want a real eye-opener on casualties at sea, take a look at this site:
http://www.cargolaw.com/presentations_casualties-11.php
This requirement may not be stringently enforced if the vessel in question is under tow as evidenced by the two towing operations we are currently following here. BUT, and it is a big but, it is a major concern that the inland tankers/barges/what have you that may be accompanying such tows, are not operating AIS transceivers/transponders. This is of grave concern to agencies and authorities who need this information should the vessel in question get into difficulties and a rescue operation has to be mounted. An example follows. This is a translated fragment from:
http://www.schuttevaer.nl/nieuws/zeevaart/nid16369-tanker-vestland-breekt-en-zinkt-op-weg-naar-nigeria.html
On September 5th 2011, the tanker Vestland, an inland tanker which was recently sold to a Nigerian, became detached from the Panamian tug Courbet during a storm, broke in two and sank. The French authorities found the events surrounding the transport irresponsible and are seeking redress from the insurer. The French were also very concerned about the Atlantic Trader (in the same convoy) making its own way because it was not equipped with AIS and could not be traced.
The United States are tightening their requirements for AIS on shipping this year and other countries may well follow suit.
If you want a real eye-opener on casualties at sea, take a look at this site:
http://www.cargolaw.com/presentations_casualties-11.php
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
FEROX STILL IN POOLE HARBOUR
Monday, October 21, 2013
NOW WE WAIT
The Ferox and her charges are now moored in the entrance to Poole Harbour and the More operation is sheltering east of the Cherbourg peninsula. It's now a case of waiting and watching for movement of these expeditions.
The Ferox saga is such that it has now been at sea for over a fortnight, with all the attendant costs mounting up, with little to show for it.
The More is apparently bound for Dakar but that is open to speculation. There may be further developments to this story which I will keep everyone informed about.
The Ferox saga is such that it has now been at sea for over a fortnight, with all the attendant costs mounting up, with little to show for it.
The More is apparently bound for Dakar but that is open to speculation. There may be further developments to this story which I will keep everyone informed about.
FEROX & MORE TUG OPERATIONS: OVERNIGHT DEVELOPMENTS
The Ferox operation is now in Poole Harbour and the More group is currently moored (presumably sheltering) some four miles off Grandcamp-Maisy to the east of the Cherbourg peninsula.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
TUG LATEST
The Ferox and two associated vessels are now about twelve miles southwest of Weymouth and making 6.4 knots on a heading of 93 degrees. Meanwhile, the More and its tows are now virtually stationary some 25 miles northwest of Fecamp on the French coast.
This is most curious and if the Ferox remains on this course it appears it is heading back to the North Sea from whence it came.
This is most curious and if the Ferox remains on this course it appears it is heading back to the North Sea from whence it came.
FEROX UNDERWAY
FEROX ON THE MOVE
Flurry of activity here as the Ferox is underway, making 4.2 knots on a heading of 108 degrees. She is in tow to one vessel and the other is accompanying under its own power. Video to follow. From her heading north across Lyme Bay it may be that she is going to link up with the More convoy fast approaching.
NOW WE'RE CATCHING UP HERE IN THE UK
I am indebted to the binnenschifferforum (see link below) and the kustvaartforum for keeping me up to date on the nefarious goings on with regard to the export of vessels to Nigeria and the strong links to oil theft that exists there. The Dutch and Germans are well aware of this situation and now, thanks to them, we will be catching up here in the UK
http://www.binnenschifferforum.de
http://www.kustvaartforum.com
This is particularly interesting and reinforces the strongly suspected use of such tows to the African coast:
http://news.naij.com/32451.html
TUG MORE CONVOY UPDATE
The More is presently making 3.5 knots on a heading of 221 degrees - thirty miles south of Eastbourne.
http://www.binnenschifferforum.de
http://www.kustvaartforum.com
This is particularly interesting and reinforces the strongly suspected use of such tows to the African coast:
http://news.naij.com/32451.html
TUG MORE CONVOY UPDATE
The More is presently making 3.5 knots on a heading of 221 degrees - thirty miles south of Eastbourne.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
ETA TUG MORE
The More is currently underway in the English Channel and about 30 miles away from Eastbourne. At her current speed (about 3 knots) she will reach the Ferox sometime on Tuesday - if indeed she is linking up with the Ferox operation.
FEROX BACK ON STATION
My outside source has told me that the Belize flagged tug More has left Rotterdam with two inland tankers in tow en route for Dakar, Senegal. The More is now entering the English Channel making two knots.
It will likely link up here off Maidencombe with the Ferox group. The Teignmouth NCI (coastwatch) will now be alerted to this ongoing situation. High winds are forecast for next week so the tugs and their tows are most likely to shelter here for some time yet.
Friday, October 18, 2013
OCTOBER 6TH AND OCTOBER 16TH TOWS IDENTICAL SHIPS?
I've just been comparing the videos from October 6th and October 16th and the two vessels under tow appear to be identical ships. The only difference is that the other tug, the More has gone, leaving the Ferox the sole tug in charge of the operation. The plot thickens.
INTEREST IN THE FEROX OPERATION
I've just seen some interesting stats for viewing figures since October 16th when I've been covering the Ferox operation taking place off Maidencombe. It's been highlighted on:
http://www.binnenschifferforum.de/forum/showthread.php?45551-Binnentanker-in-Nigeria/page11
http://www.kustvaartforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6505&start=1200
http://www.binnenschifferforum.de/forum/showthread.php?45551-Binnentanker-in-Nigeria/page11
http://www.kustvaartforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6505&start=1200
TUG FEROX
ShipSpotting.com |
© Manuel Mohedano Torres |
Interestingly, the Ferox was formerly the Spanish flagged Gran Canaria (see thumbnail image) berthed at Santa Pola, Alicante. The Ferox was involved in an incident involving the Falmouth Lifeboat on October 11th.
The lifeboat was alerted and launched to standby when the Ferox's propeller became fouled and one of the two barges it had been towing had to take over the tow.
This could well be the same operation that was involved a week ago. It is confirmed that the tow originated from Immingham and was en route to Nigeria.
A suspect operation indeed ..
Thursday, October 17, 2013
FEROX RETURNS TO MAIDENCOMBE WATERS
Monday, October 14, 2013
GOLFING FROM SUICIDE POINT
An archive photo of Bluebird (who was unaware he was being snapped) driving off the notorious 'Suicide Point' near Walls Hill, Babbacombe. An act of bravado as the author of this site suffers acutely from vertigo and his hobby of cliff-scaling does little to alleviate his malady.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
BRACE YOURSELF FOR A SAVAGE WINTER
The weather pundits are ominously predicting a savage winter for the UK, possibly the worst in a hundred years and that snowfalls can be expected as early as next month.
A slender hope for Maidencombers is the protection afforded to us by the recognised 'micro climate' that exists in our privileged position.
However, I recall some desperate winters here in the early sixties when Maidencombe was cut off from Torquay, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot with snow drifts that defied attempts to clear by the council. I can vividly remember my dad placing breeze blocks in the boot of his rear wheel drive car to get better traction up Brim Hill and then clawing his way up the hill sideways like a crab. How about walking along Honey Lane level with the top of the hedge as the snow had drifted over six feet high?
If this prediction is correct, I can only echo the words of Del Boy: "Brace yourself!"
A slender hope for Maidencombers is the protection afforded to us by the recognised 'micro climate' that exists in our privileged position.
However, I recall some desperate winters here in the early sixties when Maidencombe was cut off from Torquay, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot with snow drifts that defied attempts to clear by the council. I can vividly remember my dad placing breeze blocks in the boot of his rear wheel drive car to get better traction up Brim Hill and then clawing his way up the hill sideways like a crab. How about walking along Honey Lane level with the top of the hedge as the snow had drifted over six feet high?
If this prediction is correct, I can only echo the words of Del Boy: "Brace yourself!"
Friday, October 11, 2013
ORION RISING
The majestic winter constellation of Orion can now be seen rising in the east over Lyme Bay as seen from Maidencombe.. For the past few nights, I have paused near the top of Brim Hill and gazed spellbound at this most distinctive of star clusters. It was the first constellation that my late father taught me about and provoked my continuing interest in astronomy. The constellation is now in view as shown above but with one missing component, Sirius or the Dog Star which will soon appear as Orion climbs higher in the heavens. Look for it below and to the left of Saiph which is the bright star at bottom left of Orion.
Tuesday, October 08, 2013
QUEEN MARY 2 IN VIEW FROM MAIDENCOMBE
A bit of excitement here from Cruisedog Towers as I noticed that the Queen Mary 2 was proceeding down the English Channel from Southampton en route to New York. She could be seen just outside of Lyme Bay at 22:30 hours making 19.6 knots and lit up like a Christmas tree.
And yes, you're right, I don't get out a lot these days.
And yes, you're right, I don't get out a lot these days.
MFT PATRICIA MOORED WITHIN EXCLUSION ZONE OF THE WRECK EMSSTROM
An interesting newcomer to Babbacombe Bay is the MFT Patricia which has entered the buoyed exclusion zone over the wreck of the Emsstrom.
Trinity House’s Multi Functional Tender (MFT) Patricia works around the coast of England, Wales and the Channel Islands undertaking navigation maintenance work, towing, wreck location and marking.
From what I can observe, this is a routine examination of the marker buoys.
Trinity House’s Multi Functional Tender (MFT) Patricia works around the coast of England, Wales and the Channel Islands undertaking navigation maintenance work, towing, wreck location and marking.
Sunday, October 06, 2013
ANOTHER TUG OPERATION IN THE BAY
Friday, October 04, 2013
NIGHT PATROL EARLY HOURS
Embarking on our Night Patrol, the horizon was lit up with multiple sheet lightning flashes way across Lyme Bay to the north. No accompanying thunder was heard. As we entered the top meadow, the flashes continued unabated every few seconds. Usually, we could expect to encounter five or six animals at this first checkpoint but the meadow was eerily empty. After calling, a solitary dog fox emerged from the hedgerow but seemed loathe to approach into the open.
The sheet lightning had evidently unsettled the denizens of the night. It was certainly eerie in the combe.
The sheet lightning had evidently unsettled the denizens of the night. It was certainly eerie in the combe.
REPOSTED FROM MYFOXESANDBADGERS
KANDAA'S SECRET
For a few weeks now, Kandaa the vixen and the only fox that takes food by hand, has been acting most strangely. She appears in my garden at the allotted feeding time and devours her food. Then, after our Night Patrol around the combe, she invariably is waiting for me as So Cruise and I return, some distance from my garden.
However, I have recently observed her taking the food into the same field, pausing to look back furtively at me to ensure she's not being followed or observed.
Well, tonight I discovered Kandaa's secret. The first clue was a young fox appearing in the lane in front of us and immediately fleeing into a field. This in itself was unusual as virtually every fox and badger know of our existence and habits.
Around the corner, Kandaa was sitting, awaiting our return. She advanced and gently took the piece of chicken from my hand, turned and entered the usual field.
This time, I waited for a few seconds, tethered So Cruise my collie cross, and entered the field with my head torch turned off. Moments later and I heard the usual sounds of a young fox calling for food.
It then dawned on me that Kandaa was still taking food to one of her offspring but away from the scrimmaging and fighting of the other first season foxes. A very sensible choice as all the other mothers and aunties (vixens who care for other cubs/young foxes other than their own) are constantly plagued by foxes several months old who constantly beg and steal food rather than forage themselves.
Kandaa, a beautiful and wise vixen ...
For a few weeks now, Kandaa the vixen and the only fox that takes food by hand, has been acting most strangely. She appears in my garden at the allotted feeding time and devours her food. Then, after our Night Patrol around the combe, she invariably is waiting for me as So Cruise and I return, some distance from my garden.
However, I have recently observed her taking the food into the same field, pausing to look back furtively at me to ensure she's not being followed or observed.
Well, tonight I discovered Kandaa's secret. The first clue was a young fox appearing in the lane in front of us and immediately fleeing into a field. This in itself was unusual as virtually every fox and badger know of our existence and habits.
Around the corner, Kandaa was sitting, awaiting our return. She advanced and gently took the piece of chicken from my hand, turned and entered the usual field.
This time, I waited for a few seconds, tethered So Cruise my collie cross, and entered the field with my head torch turned off. Moments later and I heard the usual sounds of a young fox calling for food.
It then dawned on me that Kandaa was still taking food to one of her offspring but away from the scrimmaging and fighting of the other first season foxes. A very sensible choice as all the other mothers and aunties (vixens who care for other cubs/young foxes other than their own) are constantly plagued by foxes several months old who constantly beg and steal food rather than forage themselves.
Kandaa, a beautiful and wise vixen ...
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I must admit that this does seem to be a dubious operation and perhaps there should be tighter controls on the towing of vessels through UK waters as we've already had a similar disaster when the Emsstrom under tow foundered off Hopes Nose.