The liquefied petroleum gas carrier (LPG) Gas Arctic is currently prescribing multiple circles within the confines of Lyme Bay, presumably on a maintenance 'cruise'. Sea conditions are calm so it is not a question of movement to avoid dragging anchor.
The vessel first arrived off Hope's Nose on July 11th and has remained there constantly apart from one or two bunkering (refuelling) transits.
There is no destination listed for the Gas Arctic and it may be a possibility that the ship is waiting for a contract to be arranged.
The Gas Arctic (length 89 metres, width 32 metres) is less than half the size of the Sanko Mineral (189 X 32) which anchored in Babbacombe Bay for nearly a year and so will afford the crew a far less comfortable platform for a lengthy stay.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Friday, December 26, 2014
A PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS DAY
Monday, December 22, 2014
LPG TANKER GAS ARCTIC - ANOTHER SANKO TYPE SAGA?
The Gas Arctic off Hope's Nose |
The vessel first took up station off Hope's Nose over five months ago on July 11th from Aveiro, Portugal. She is owned by Ventspils Gases Ltd of Malta, a subsidiary of Stealthgas, Greece.
The Gas Arctic was in collision with CV Spring Bok some 6 nautical miles south of Dungeness on March 24, 2012 and suffered minor damage to her stern. The fault lay with the Spring Bok.
The vessel has departed for bunkering on a couple of occasions but has always returned to virtually the same position off Hope's Nose.
Could this be the start of another Sanko type saga?
Sunday, December 21, 2014
SPIRITS OF THE GREEN MAN AT MAIDENCOMBE
Framed ghostly in the entrance to Ye olde Thatched Taverne, the Spirit of the Green Man is revealed in manifold forms. On closer inspection, the apparitions bear a passing resemblance to the mysterious 'Bluebird' (top left), Sharon 'Whitey Cat' (top right), the become legendary 'Zigmeister' (bottom left) and Debby 'de Devon' (bottom right) - but I could be mistaken and it all be revealed as a Badger beer induced dream .....
Friday, December 19, 2014
LEGENDARY ROY DOG SPOTTED
The likeness is unmistakable ... |
Well, he has certainly roamed afar, for he has been sighted outside the Thatched Tavern at Maidencombe - as can be verified in the photo above.
I think I have your attention now and can remind you that this evening is the Christmas Carol Singalong from the Thatched Tavern pub from 7 pm.
The Roaming Roy Dog may not be there - but everyone else will be!
Thursday, December 18, 2014
'COVES OF MAIDENCOMBE' FAVOURABLY RECEIVED BY TEIGNBRIDGE
Front cover of First Edition |
Copies of the first edition are going quickly. The 32 page full colour A5 booklet is on sale at £4 or £5 with P & P. Orders can be placed with either the Thatched Tavern or the Orestone Manor.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
THREE CONTAINER SHIPS CAME A SAILING BY ...
Thursday, December 04, 2014
WOULD YOU HAVE BUILT A HOUSE THERE?
The
dramatic redrawing of the map and loss of features at Oddicombe and
Little Oddicombe are the result of the catastrophic landslip above
Little Oddicombe in 2013. The postcard (above) by Charles Thomas Howard
would, in hindsight, have afforded builders and Torquay Corporation vital clues for the
future demise of the once beautiful tourist destination. The question has to be asked: Would you have built a house at letter B on the postcard?
Charles Thomas Howard's (1865-1942) interpretation is most interesting. The presence of the cliff railway (letter A) dates the postcard as post 1926 but the absence of the ill-fated Ridgemont House (built 1930's) on the headland (letter B) narrows the date of painting to around 1928. The breccia and red sandstone division (letter C) has gone as has the interesting geological breccia stack (letter D) slightly offshore of the Gentlemen's Bathing Place. The sea-stack was swept aside by a horizontal, high velocity run out lobe.
The geological fault line running down the valley (directly behind B & C) was long known and despite the open cast, inherently unstable red sandstone cliff, no measures were put into place before the slip commenced in February of 2010. By then, it was too late to halt the forces of nature.
Charles Thomas Howard's (1865-1942) interpretation is most interesting. The presence of the cliff railway (letter A) dates the postcard as post 1926 but the absence of the ill-fated Ridgemont House (built 1930's) on the headland (letter B) narrows the date of painting to around 1928. The breccia and red sandstone division (letter C) has gone as has the interesting geological breccia stack (letter D) slightly offshore of the Gentlemen's Bathing Place. The sea-stack was swept aside by a horizontal, high velocity run out lobe.
The geological fault line running down the valley (directly behind B & C) was long known and despite the open cast, inherently unstable red sandstone cliff, no measures were put into place before the slip commenced in February of 2010. By then, it was too late to halt the forces of nature.
THE NEXT ADVENTURE
Sunday, November 23, 2014
MTS VENGEANCE & PHANTOM AIS TUG
MTS Vengeance & tows Saturday afternoon. Vessel left foreground a trawler. |
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
MTS VENGEANCE - NEW DEVELOPMENT
MTS Vengeance & tows |
Sunday, November 16, 2014
MTS VENGEANCE & TWO TOWS IN BABBACOMBE BAY
Thursday, November 13, 2014
IT'S FINALLY HERE
Front and back cover |
Priced at £5.00, the paperback is A5 format on gloss paper with 32 pages and full colour photographs and descriptions/features of all fourteen coves between Maidencombe and the Ness at Shaldon.
Sunday, November 09, 2014
COVES OF MAIDENCOMBE
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
COVES OF MAIDENCOMBE - READY TO PRINT
Sunday, November 02, 2014
BUSY SUNDAY IN BABBACOMBE BAY
HMS MERSEY & BUOY LAYING VESSEL GALATEA |
ALAN HUNT'S 80TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Alan Hunt beside his photo montage |
Each candle representing a decade |
Friday, October 31, 2014
MAIDENCOMBE AT WAR
Tiddly Pinch Bofors (click to enlarge) |
Most famous was the Tiddly Pinch Bofors (see photo and inset above) which was positioned to take on Tip & Run Focke-Wulf FW 190 fighter bombers approaching Teignmouth and those aircraft which had attacked Torquay and were turning for home across the Channel.
The Bofors 40mm gun could fire a one kilo projectile three miles at a rate of 120 a minute and was most effective at defending against fast moving aircraft.
Alan Hunt recalled the crew of the Tiddly Pinch Bofors, when off-duty, playing cards at Ferndale House in Rock House Lane, Maidencombe.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
SPEED WALKS IN MAIDENCOMBE
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
ENGLISH HOUSE DEMOLISHED
The English House on the Teignmouth Road, Maidencombe was demolished today to make way for a housing development. A particularly nostalgic moment for me as I can personally recall the history of the site from 1960 when it was the popular Rocombe Brae guest house. It then was converted into the Dartmoor Maiden, a licensed restaurant, before being sold in 2003. Finally, it was renamed the English House, also a restaurant and managed to eke out a living until a few years ago when it finally closed for business. It is noted that the house next door is up for sale.
A sad 'site' for some |
Monday, October 20, 2014
THE CLOCK IS TICKING
Saturday, October 18, 2014
DAD'S OLD SET SQUARE
Old rosewood and brass set square circa 1910 |
Friday, October 10, 2014
PIPE TRANSFER TO MTS INDUS OFF MAIDENCOMBE
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
SLIGHTLY BLUE - 'CROSSROADS'
The group from left: Markel, Ali, Doc (vocals) and Ed.
Permission to post here on www.maidencombe.net given by Slightly Blue.
Tuesday, October 07, 2014
YES, YET ANOTHER TUG OPERATION OFF MAIDENCOMBE
Monday, October 06, 2014
DUTCH TUG MARION V AND HULK ELLEN IN TOR BAY
Sunday, October 05, 2014
'THAT'LL BE THE DAY'
Jim Job DIY repair |
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
MAGICAL EYE TO EYE CONTACT
She was well aware of my presence and eye to eye contact was established - making for a magical few moments.
Monday, September 22, 2014
BECBLA THE BLIND VIXEN
So Cruise and I had a most special Night Patrol early hours this morning when I managed for the first time to get footage of Becbla the totally blind vixen I have been feeding for over three years.
She is incredibly elusive and emerges briefly to snatch her food before disappearing into the undergrowth to escape from other foxes and badgers who chase her for the food.
Fortunately, Becbla knew me when she was sighted and would come very close to take food from me. Gradually she lost sight in both eyes and became dependent on me for food. She has a sighted male companion who I suspect is one of her offspring.
She is incredibly elusive and emerges briefly to snatch her food before disappearing into the undergrowth to escape from other foxes and badgers who chase her for the food.
Fortunately, Becbla knew me when she was sighted and would come very close to take food from me. Gradually she lost sight in both eyes and became dependent on me for food. She has a sighted male companion who I suspect is one of her offspring.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
THE INDY TAPES: SENSATIONAL FIND
THE INDY TAPES: Physical evidence
THE INDY TAPES: Southward foray
THE INDY TAPES: 'Call me Indy'
Friday, September 12, 2014
EFFLUENT DISCHARGE IN BRIM HILL
Hose clip from the vehicle? |
I am unsure what the liquid is, though I took the precaution of washing So Cruise's feet when we got back home. Care should be taken negotiating the effluent whether by vehicle or on foot as it is very slippery. Even if harmless, the operator is responsible for the discharge and cleaning up the highway.
Effluent spill in Brim Hill & Rockhouse Lane |
Monday, September 01, 2014
FAREWELL TO SUMMER
September 1st and autumn is here, but there is always a lively discussion as to what date is the true start of autumn. There are three definitions: meteorological, celestial and those derived from the changes in nature.
For consistency and comparison of weather records, the Met Office nominates three month cycles, each commencing on the first of the month.
Astronomers utilise celestial events such as equinoxes and solstices with autumn occurring this year on September 22nd.
Phenology, or the study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events, dictates that autumn is here when oaks and beech trees start to tint and the ripening of sloes and elderberries is evident etc.
Well, the sloes and elderberry are everywhere in the combe, so I stick with the first of September as the true start of autumn - my favourite season
For consistency and comparison of weather records, the Met Office nominates three month cycles, each commencing on the first of the month.
Astronomers utilise celestial events such as equinoxes and solstices with autumn occurring this year on September 22nd.
Phenology, or the study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events, dictates that autumn is here when oaks and beech trees start to tint and the ripening of sloes and elderberries is evident etc.
Well, the sloes and elderberry are everywhere in the combe, so I stick with the first of September as the true start of autumn - my favourite season
Saturday, August 30, 2014
CHRISTMAS IS A COMIN' IN
Yes, unashamedly I promote a Christmas event on August 30th, but it is a special event for Maidencombers all.
It is the fourth running of the Thatched Tavern Christmas Carol Singalong and ALL are welcome.
For those unfamiliar with the format, song/carol sheets are provided and there will be Advent calendar prizes.
The singalong commences at 7pm on Friday December 19th.
The countdown begins ...
It is the fourth running of the Thatched Tavern Christmas Carol Singalong and ALL are welcome.
For those unfamiliar with the format, song/carol sheets are provided and there will be Advent calendar prizes.
The singalong commences at 7pm on Friday December 19th.
The countdown begins ...
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
SANKO US BOUND
As anticipated, the Star Minerva made a brief stopover in Tor Bay before heading off across the Atlantic US bound. Her scheduled destination is Camden, New Jersey and she's due to arrive on September 5th. Let's hope her paperwork is in order as the US authorities are strict and have a long memory ...
Monday, August 25, 2014
STAR MINERVA BACK IN TOR BAY
Well, the old ex Sanko Mineral duly arrived back at her identical mooring off Paignton in Tor Bay before breakfast today. The MTS Valonia joined her from Brixham just after 7 am and is currently alongside. It appears that the Star Minerva is undergoing another underwater inspection. Keep you posted on this.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
WAIT FOR IT - THE SANKO'S COMING BACK
Star Minerva en route back to Tor Bay |
'After a five day stay in Bremen the Star Minerva (ex Sanko Mineral) left there in the early hours of yesterday morning. She is currently off Dover and her AIS is showing Torquay as her destination with an ETA of breakfast time tomorrow! I have no idea what this visit is all about – we will have to wait and see!'
It could be a case of a brief stopover before moving on to another destination. However, the long-running saga of this vessel carries on.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM
Saturday, August 16, 2014
SHE'S FINALLY GONE
Our old friend the Sanko Mineral (Star Minerva) left Tor Bay late yesterday evening and is currently en route to the German port of Bremen. She now sails under the flag of the Marshall Islands.
So ends an eleven month saga which saw the vessel virtually permanently moored off Maidencombe in various positions - Babbacombe Bay, Tor Bay and Lyme Bay, making a few journeys to Falmouth for bunkering and under 'impulse power' around Lyme Bay in heavy weather.
It all came about when the Sanko Steamship Company - one of Japan's oldest shipping companies - became embroiled in financial difficulties and was forced to file for bankruptcy, leaving a number of its vessels 'stranded' around the world as creditors sought payment for unpaid charters.
The Sanko Mineral had other difficulties, however, and was allegedly involved in the ramming and sinking of a barge in US waters and managed to escape internship by the US authorities.
What an adventure, I'll miss her. Bon voyage, Sanko ...
So ends an eleven month saga which saw the vessel virtually permanently moored off Maidencombe in various positions - Babbacombe Bay, Tor Bay and Lyme Bay, making a few journeys to Falmouth for bunkering and under 'impulse power' around Lyme Bay in heavy weather.
It all came about when the Sanko Steamship Company - one of Japan's oldest shipping companies - became embroiled in financial difficulties and was forced to file for bankruptcy, leaving a number of its vessels 'stranded' around the world as creditors sought payment for unpaid charters.
The Sanko Mineral had other difficulties, however, and was allegedly involved in the ramming and sinking of a barge in US waters and managed to escape internship by the US authorities.
What an adventure, I'll miss her. Bon voyage, Sanko ...
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
VIDEO FOOTAGE OF SANKO MINERAL IN TOR BAY
I saw her make her initial approach into Tor Bay from Maidencombe but she gradually disappeared from view behind the Babbacombe peninsula. Footage attained by driving up to the Ilsham Marine Drive.
RETURN OF THE SANKO MINERAL!
Star Minerva formerly the Sanko Mineral |
The vessel first arrived off Tor Bay on October 15th last year and has been the subject of much discussion on marine forums. Such was the interest that she departed on May 15th to take up a new mooring near to Falmouth. She was subsequently sold at a sealed bid auction (see previous post).
Graham speculates that the vessel may be returning for an underwater hull inspection and clean after accumulating much marine growth on her keel over the past eleven months.
Her ETA is 1830 UTC – 1930 local time. We'll be keeping a lookout for her here at Maidencombe.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
TROPICAL STORM BERTHA JUST A PUSSYCAT
With all the usual media hype about the dreaded 'Hurricane Bertha' swooping across the Atlantic via the jet stream, precautions had to be taken - just in case they were correct.
In the event, Bertha, downgraded to a tropical storm on making landfall in the US and subsequently further downgraded to just a 'vicious low depression', turned out to be just a pussycat for us in Maidencombe after veering sharply northwest after hitting Ireland.
I had spent the evening battening down the hatches and checking the guys on our giant Eucalyptus tree.
The wind (gusts of over 60 mph expected) started up at about 3:50 am but then died away, giving way to some fairly sustained rainfall (an inch in all - 25 mm).
Better safe than sorry and I'm quite relieved we got off so lightly.
In the event, Bertha, downgraded to a tropical storm on making landfall in the US and subsequently further downgraded to just a 'vicious low depression', turned out to be just a pussycat for us in Maidencombe after veering sharply northwest after hitting Ireland.
I had spent the evening battening down the hatches and checking the guys on our giant Eucalyptus tree.
The wind (gusts of over 60 mph expected) started up at about 3:50 am but then died away, giving way to some fairly sustained rainfall (an inch in all - 25 mm).
Better safe than sorry and I'm quite relieved we got off so lightly.
Saturday, August 09, 2014
SANKO MINERAL SOLD AT AUCTION
News coming in from Graham, our reliable and knowledgeable source, that the long running saga of the Sanko Mineral now appears to be at an end. Graham informs me that the Sanko Mineral has been sold at auction for a reported $17.2 million - some $4 million less than she changed hands for in March of 2012 to a Greek buyer.
The vessel has been renamed Star Minerva and is currently showing on AIS as that name. It is my belief that the purchasers are Minerva Marine Inc. a private and independent Greek shipping company that has established long term business links with Major Oil Companies.
Graham says that it appears that the vessel is heading up into Falmouth Bay in the morning (presumably for bunkers) and will be sailing again at teatime.
So ends the near eleven month self-imposed internment of the Sanko Mineral off the Devon and Cornwall coast.
I am sure it will come as a huge relief to the crew and their families. It is a matter of conjecture what remuneration the crew members have received on what had become virtually a 'prison ship'.
The vessel has been renamed Star Minerva and is currently showing on AIS as that name. It is my belief that the purchasers are Minerva Marine Inc. a private and independent Greek shipping company that has established long term business links with Major Oil Companies.
Graham says that it appears that the vessel is heading up into Falmouth Bay in the morning (presumably for bunkers) and will be sailing again at teatime.
So ends the near eleven month self-imposed internment of the Sanko Mineral off the Devon and Cornwall coast.
I am sure it will come as a huge relief to the crew and their families. It is a matter of conjecture what remuneration the crew members have received on what had become virtually a 'prison ship'.
Star Minerva - formerly the Sanko Mineral |
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
FORGET THE DAY JOB JOE!
Forget the day job Joe - you've got serious talent! |
UPDATE FROM JOE OUR POSTIE
Hi all
Attached is a photo of one of my paintings - what do you think -
Just thought you would like to know that the plaster is finally off!
Leg is still bruised and swollen, but can finally put my foot on the ground, just waiting for a appointment with the physio.
Still not sure how long before I am back.
good enough to put in the loo?
Joe the postman
Monday, July 28, 2014
THE MENACE OF FRACKING COULD COME TO TORBAY
Area in red under consideration for licensing |
However, although parts of Torbay could be affected, Maidencombe should escape this menace as it is designated an 'area of oustanding natural beauty'.
We can only hope that no deposits are located anywhere in Devon as cash-strapped councils might be tempted to sell out to the oil and gas industry.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
SUMMER QUEST
It's that time of year again when I get the urge to set out on a summer quest. It was last September when Neil D'Allen, the owner of the Orestone Manor Hotel and his son James teamed up with me to mount an expedition to locate the footprint of the legendary Labrador Bay Hotel.
With that success behind us, there is now an opportunity to expand our knowledge of this once thriving community and perhaps identify some other key landmarks.
The snippet of medieval map (above) though crude by modern day standards, gives us several clues.
The legend 'mere' is the Old English of a sea or inlet. 'Medencomb' is one of the earliest spelling of Maidencombe. Interestingly, Smugglers Bay extends along several coves along this stretch of coast from Red Rob (present day Border Cove) to Smugglers Cove itself. No mention of Labrador Bay (or its supposed derivation 'l'abri d'or' or shelter of gold). Instead, intriguingly, the legend reads 'springs dor' ...
Fresh information in the form of an early twentieth century map (above) has now passed into my hands courtesy of Bob Arthy, who will soon take up residence in the area.
A veritable 'treasure trove' of information has been gleaned on enlarging and enhancing the map.
Armed with this, I will be undertaking more expeditions to see if there is any evidence of these key landmarks.
Who knows, we may even stumble upon one of the cannons that are believed to have been sited for defence and ultimately abandoned some three centuries ago ...
With that success behind us, there is now an opportunity to expand our knowledge of this once thriving community and perhaps identify some other key landmarks.
Snippet of medieval map |
The snippet of medieval map (above) though crude by modern day standards, gives us several clues.
The legend 'mere' is the Old English of a sea or inlet. 'Medencomb' is one of the earliest spelling of Maidencombe. Interestingly, Smugglers Bay extends along several coves along this stretch of coast from Red Rob (present day Border Cove) to Smugglers Cove itself. No mention of Labrador Bay (or its supposed derivation 'l'abri d'or' or shelter of gold). Instead, intriguingly, the legend reads 'springs dor' ...
Early twentieth century map (locations hidden) |
A veritable 'treasure trove' of information has been gleaned on enlarging and enhancing the map.
Armed with this, I will be undertaking more expeditions to see if there is any evidence of these key landmarks.
Who knows, we may even stumble upon one of the cannons that are believed to have been sited for defence and ultimately abandoned some three centuries ago ...
Sunday, July 20, 2014
WOULD THIS MAKE YOU SLOW DOWN?
Common sense signage not permitted |
Full details are not available, but it is evident that excessive speed was the cause of the accident which closed the busy road for two hours, causing tailbacks and frustration aplenty.
Although there is a 30 MPH speed limit in place, motorists persist in speeding along this stretch and are often caught out by traffic exiting from side roads onto the A379. The 30 MPH repeater sign temporarily sited at 'gantry island', Maidencombe Cross has no effect whatsoever and should now be removed.
Torbay council Highways state that their hands are tied with central government legislation.
I wonder if a sign similar to our mock-up (above) would make motorists slow down?
However, since when did common sense prevail in these days of political correctness and madness?
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
SIX-SPOT BURNET DAY FLYING MOTH
Six-spot Burnets on a Scottish thistle |
GERONIMO!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
THATCHED TAVERN CALENDAR 2015
Front cover and sample month |
Tuesday, July 08, 2014
GIANT BARREL JELLYFISH INVASION
Jim Campbell holding up a beached giant barrel jellyfish |
Further information can be gleaned from this news story of May 20th this year on BBC News Cornwall: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cornwall-27483262
Saturday, July 05, 2014
OUTRAGE AT FLY-TIPPING INCIDENT
Yet another fly-tipping incident in the village. For the third time in the past three weeks, rubbish has been dumped in Brim Hill. I encountered this latest outrage at just before 1 am today on returning from our Night Patrol.
There was also a box of constipation sachets scattered in the middle of the road. I retrieved these for the safety of the public and animals.
Presumably, this happened late evening as Tor2 react swiftly to calls. In a serious large scale dumping in Steep Hill, the council failed to investigate fully, even when allegedly supplied with the identity of the perpetrator.
Residents should be extremely vigilant and take registration numbers of vans/lorries they see acting suspiciously.
Also dumped: sachets of medication |
Presumably, this happened late evening as Tor2 react swiftly to calls. In a serious large scale dumping in Steep Hill, the council failed to investigate fully, even when allegedly supplied with the identity of the perpetrator.
Residents should be extremely vigilant and take registration numbers of vans/lorries they see acting suspiciously.
Friday, July 04, 2014
TRACTOR DRAMA IN BOWDEN MEADOW
The tractor clearing Bowden meadow Wednesday |
Bowden meadow belongs to the Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust but it is not known who was clearing the field.
A local man was killed in the late sixties when his tractor overturned in the steep fields below Labrador.
Wednesday, July 02, 2014
THE ATLAS AND TOWS FROM ABOVE THE ORE STONE
The Herkules which appears to have started her voyage and tows from Gdansk, Poland is some 15 miles off Salcombe and proceeding to Dakar, currently making 4.8 knots.
Seeing the Atlas on AIS some 6 miles east of the Ore Stone and nearly out of range, I drove up to the top of Marine Drive and got this footage of her. She now has two hulks with her and these must be either from the Vengeance or the Herkules. As the Atlas was escorting the Herkules without any tows it is logical to assume that these may be the tows from the Vengeance. Shipping forum experts please take a close look at this close-up photo (below) I took along with the video footage and give me your opinion. You'll know much better than me.
Tug Atlas behind the hulks off the Ore Stone |
TUG ARMADA OFF MAIDENCOMBE (PART 2)
MTS VENGEANCE IN LYME BAY
The Steindamm - one of Mts Vengeance's tows |
I popped up to the top of the hill to see if I could spot her but she was hidden in the early morning haze.
The other two GB flagged tugs, the Herkules and the Atlas are both within a kilometre of each other, though the Herkules is now underway, making over 8 knots and on a heading of 308 degrees.
If visibility improves, I'll attempt to get some footage.
THREE TUGS 'RENDEZVOUS'
Interesting development as the MTS Vengeance and her two tows en route from Rotterdam to Lagos are now within 3 miles of the Atlas and the Herkules which have been stationary for some time. The Herkules has Dakar as her destination and it is not known whether she has any vessel in tow. All three tugs are British flagged. On their current heading, it is unlikely that they will come within sight of me here at Maidencombe. The proximity of the three tugs cannot be coincidence and a rendezvous, for whatever reason is imminent.
Tuesday, July 01, 2014
MTS VENGEANCE CLOSING IN WITH TWO OTHER TUGS 'NOT UNDER COMMAND'
The MTS Vengeance and her tows, the Steindamm and Rana are now closing in on their first stopover at Brixham and currently making 3.2 knots. However, there are two tugs about 15 miles southwest of the Vengeance both showing the 'not under command' status. I understand that this could signify a number of eventualities: either the vessel has encountered a mechanical or steering problem or that the vessel has the auto pilot engaged but no one is at the helm.
The two tugs are currently about 2 miles apart. The MTS Atlas is showing Lyme Bay as her destination but interestingly, the other tug the Herkules has Dakar as its destination.
Dawn may well clarify matters ...
The two tugs are currently about 2 miles apart. The MTS Atlas is showing Lyme Bay as her destination but interestingly, the other tug the Herkules has Dakar as its destination.
Dawn may well clarify matters ...
COMING TO A BAY NEAR US - ANOTHER TUG OPERATION
The Steindamm in questionable seaworthy condition |
The GB flagged MTS Vengeance departed Rotterdam on June 29th with two hulks in tow - the Steindamm (above) and the Rana. Her first stopover is logged as Brixham and then she will continue to Las Palmas (bunkering) and then on to her drop off point, Lagos, Nigeria.
The operation is currently about nine miles southeast of the Isle of Wight making 2.6 knots. She is estimated to come within sight of me here at Maidencombe first light tomorrow.
As can be seen by the photo of the Steindamm (courtesy Jonathan S, Scheepvaart Forum) the vessel is in a questionable seaworthy condition - especially for the distance to be covered in open ocean.
Although the paperwork may be in order for the tow, questions as to the subsequent purpose of these vessels to Nigeria remain largely unanswered. Several of these vessels have been impounded by the Nigerian authorities for oil smuggling operations after falling into the hands of Nigerian warlords.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
SANKO MINERAL - PROPHETIC WORDS & A RUSTING $21 MILLION 'ASSET'
Sanko Mineral: A rusting $21 million 'asset' |
'The results of the two incidents are not known but it is evident that the Sanko Mineral cannot proceed at this time and may well be a vessel with neither destination nor home port for the forseeable future.'
A further four months elapsed before the vessel finally departed on May 23rd - but only to another 'bolt hole' off the Lizard peninsula. It appears that serious questions about the vessel and the welfare of the crew had made it expedient to move to pastures new.
A month has passed and our prophetic words still hold true.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
A BENCH CALLED VICTOR
A bench called Victor |
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