Some Ships Keep Watch!

[Cornishman]

On Friday night a man trying to cross the Channel from Weymouth to Alderney in small yellow RIB called Twinkle suffered an outboard breakdown right there in the shipping lanes. His red para flare was spotted by the watch on board the container ship Iran Hesabi, and he was subsequently rescued. Two lifeboats, Weymouth and Alderney, and the CG helicopter from Portland were involved, and Portland CG congratulated the watch on the Iran Hesabi for spotting the flare.

Happy Christmas everyone.

 

[nicho]

I am sure that the vast majority of professional mariners do exactly that - when a collision occurs it's natural to question their 'watching' abilities. I came from St Malo to Portsmouth earlier this year on the Britanny Ferry, Bretagne. There was a yacht race from (I guess) Guernsey to (probably) Cherbourg. I counted some 70 yachts strung out across the Aldernay Race, a fine sight with their multi coloured spinnakers flying. I was on the outside of the top deck, from where you have a good view inside the bridge, and it was obvious the guys in charge were being ultra careful. Keeping a close watch through binoculars, they changed direction a couple of times, and slowed once so as to not interfere with the race, or cause any danger to the competitors. Perhaps the Portsmouth based Wightlink Skippers could show the same courtesy!!

Happy Xmas/New year to you too...

Mike N

 

[Cornishman]

You said,

>I am sure that the vast majority of professional mariners do exactly that -<

Listen to the Dover Straits Trinity House Pilot's broadcast at
www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today

I don't think he would agree with you

 

[Guest]

Back in October I was sailing back from St.Vaast to Lymington. It was very reassuring to notice that whilst crossing the shipping lanes which were busy with countless vessels heading up channel, that 2 of the closest ships to my yacht which were still a considerable distance away, altered course to go behind me. I have always found it a daunting experience crossing the shipping lanes and have always had all my crew above keeping a good lookout.
Since recent events off Dunkerque I will remain extra vigilant. You just never know.

May I take this opportunity in wishing all mariners a Happy New Year.