Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who lead the expedition which discovered the wreck of the Titanic in 1985, was interviewed by Stephen Colbert on the Colbert Report last night. He discusses how the search for the Titanic was a cover for finding two missing nuclear submarines. (See our previous post from June 2010 – Searching for the USS Thresher and USS Scorpion with the Titanic as Cover.) He also discusses the problems of underwater tourism damaging the remains of the Titanic, and an idea to paint the sunken ship to preserve it. Yes, painting the Titanic. An interesting interview, indeed.
The truly Titanic obsessed do not have to wait for the centennial of the tragic sinking of the so-called “unsinkable” passenger liner. They now can follow the Titanic via either a Twitter feed or an iPad app which mark down the events of leading up to the sinking in real time!
On Twitter check out TitanicVoyage @ TitanicRealTime. There is also an iPad app: Titanic: Her Journey selling for £2.99.
We recently posted about an upcoming event at Mystic Seaport Museum honoring the bicentenial of the War of 1812 which features the privateer schooner Lynx. We also posted about an on-line documentary, the Privateer Lynx. While we are focussing on on the Lynx, it seems worthwhile to post a review by Linda Collison of a book published by the Lynx Educational Foundation, America’s Privateer, Lynx and the War of 1812 by J. Dennis Robinson.
America’s Privateer tells the story of Lynx, a ship with two lives that sailed in two different centuries. The first Lynx was built in Fells Point, Maryland 1812. Captured early in the war, the British Admiralty was so impressed by the design that they recorded her lines. In 2001, Woodson K. Woods, an entrepreneur and lifelong sailor, brought the 1812 Lynx back to life as a modern privateer inspired by the original plans. The first square-topsail, wooden schooner built in Rockport, Maine since 1885, Lynx sails America’s coasts, teaching young people about the craft of sailing a privateer, and of the history of the War of 1812. In America’s Privateer, J. Dennis Robinson brings the story of the schooners named Lynx to life against the backdrop of the oft forgotten War of 1812.
Linda Collison is the author of the Patricia MacPherson Nautical Adventure Series, Star Crossed (soon to be re-released by Fireship Press as Barbados Bound) and Surgeon’s Mate. She has sailed on the privateer Lynx as well as serving as crew on HMS Endeavour. Linda’s review of America’s Privateer, Lynx and the War of 1812 by J. Dennis Robinson, originally published on her blog Sea of Words. Reposted with permission.
America’s Privateer — more than a coffee table book
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On Tuesday evening, the 82m general cargo ship, Carrier, was blown ashore in high winds and seas near a quarry jetty at Llanddulas, near Colwyn Bay, Wales. Two lifeboats and an RAF helicopter successfully rescued seven Polish crew members from the stricken ship despite gale conditions. The ship is reported to be intact, but there are increasing concerns over pollution from the 40,000 litres of fuel aboard the ship. Thanks to David Hayes and Alaric Bond for passing along the news.
Roughly a year ago we posted about the 75th anniversary of Captain Frank Swift buying laid up schooners which had previously carried stone, lumber, hay and all manner of goods, and began carrying vacationers to cruise in the Maine summers. Many of these schooners are still sailing in the Maine “windjammer” fleet. Since then, however, new schooners have been built specifically for the trade. The first purpose-built schooner for the vacation trade was the Mary Day, which is celebrating her 50th birthday this year. She has sailed more than 150,000 miles and has carried more than 20,000 guests so far. May she sail for another 50 years!
Tall ship Mary Day celebrates 50th birthday
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Sailing on the schooner Mary Day
Thanks to Tom Russell of the Traditional Sail Professionals Linked-in Group for pointing out the birthday.
Alex Sailing into Freeport Harbour Photo: Angela Hackman
In November we posted about the first shakedown day cruise of the Alexander von Humboldt II, Germany’s newest tall ship. The new ship, operated by Deutsche Stiftung Sail Training (DSST), is replacing the 1906 built Alexander von Humboldt which has been sailing as a sail training ship since 1988.
But what will become of the Alexander von Humboldt, known by her nickname, Alex, now that she has been retired by DSST? She will be sailing out of Freeport in the Bahamas under the Bahamian flag. The ship will host cruise ship passengers, island visitors and residents on coastal sailing excursions, as well serving as a venue for corporate gatherings, receptions and theme parties. She will also serve as a training vessels to train new Bahamian crews. Thanks to Wojtek ‘Voytec’ Wacowski on Facebook for passing along the news.
106 year-old ship, Alexander von Humboldt receives warm welcome to Grand Bahama
USCG Cutter Bertholf Photo: USCG
Yesterday we posted the Clipper Round the World 68′ racer, Geraldton Western Australia, which was struck by a large wave in a storm in the Pacific. The wave sheared off the boat’s steering pedestal, damaged electronics and injured four crew, who were on deck. The conditions were too rought for a rescue by helicopter, so late Sunday night, the two most seriously injured of the crew, Jane Hitchens, a 50-year-old doctor and Nik Brbora, a 29-year-old engineer, were evacuated by boat to the USCG Cutter Bertholf. The cutter is expected to arrive in San Francisco Bay this afternoon.
Norwegian rogue adventurer Jarle Andhøy, 34, along with four other crew members on the 54-foot yacht, Nilaya have been arrested by the Chilean Navy. Andhøy is returning from his second Antarctic voyage, both of which he has undertook without permission, permits or insurance.
His first voyage ended in the sinking of the yacht Berserk II and the loss of three crew. The navy has offered no reason about why the boat was stopped, but Andhoy has been told it was at the request of the New Zealand government. Andhøy is best known for controversial voyages in polar regions usually without permits, or insurance, which have run afoul of the authorities in Norway, Finland, Russia and New Zealand. He was deported from Canada in 2007.
According to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, fishing nets are the biggest killer of whales and dolphins across the globe. Last week alone, two gray whales migrating off the coast of California were caught in fishing nets. A week from last Saturday, a gray whale was rescued after discovered entangled in netting outside Dana Point Harbor. The whale was cut free after a 24 hour effort. Reports said the whale was towing a sea lion, a leopard shark, two angel sharks as well as various crabs, fish and rays in the net. Last Wednesday, a second whale, tangled in nets and buoys was sighted between Laguna Beach and Dana Point. By Thursdays volunteers had cut the whale free.
From 2001 through 2010, there have been 78 entanglement reports off California alone. Thirty-one involved humpback whales and 19 involved gray whales. The others were fin whales (four), a minke whale and unidentified species (22).
Second Gray Whale Entangled in Fishing Net Is Freed
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The stricken luxury cruise ship Azamara Quest sails towards the port of Sandakan on the island of Borneo Photo: REUTERS/Bazuki Muhammad
In a pleasant contrast to events surrounding the sinking of the Costa Concordia, the passengers aboard the fire damaged cruise ship Azamara Quest are reported to have high praise for the actions of the captain and crew. A fire broke out in one of the ship’s engine rooms on Friday. The fire was extinguished though five crew members suffered injuries due to smoke inhalation. No passengers were injured. The ship drifted for approximately 24 hours in Philippine waters until the crew was able to restart some of the ship’s engines and return electrical and propulsion power. The ship reached the harbour of Sandakan city in Malaysia’s eastern state of Sabah on Borneo island late on Sunday.
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Hammacher Schlemmer’s catalog is subtitled: “Offering the Best, the Only and the Unexpected for 164 years.” One item for sale certainly qualifies as “unique.” They currently list for sale the World War II PT-728, the only PT boat in existence licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard for carrying passengers. They are asking $1,000,000 for the refurbished boat.
A large wave broke over the 68′ yacht, Geraldton Western Australia, one of ten yachts racing in the Clipper Round the World Race, while in the Pacific approximately 400 miles off San Francisco. The wave swept the deck, shearing the steering pedestal, damaging electronics and leaving four sailors with injuries ranging from broken ribs to back injuries. “We were racing along in 40-60 knot gusts,” the boat’s skipper Juan Coetzer said. “The sea was alive with rage. We were making good speed, sailing with the third reef in the main, surfing at 15 to 20 knots. Then at our watch change, just before the sun came up, a monstrous foaming swell broke over our stern.”
The USCG Cutter Bertholf, with rescue helicopters aboard, was dispatched to the stricken yacht. The four injured sailors, who were on deck when the wave hit, are reported to be Jane Hitchens, 50, from Kent, the onboard medic; Nik Brbora, 29, from London; Mark Burkes, 47, from Worcestershire and Max Wilson, 62, a farmer from Queensland, Australia.
Coast Guard attempts rescue after freak wave smashes race yacht in Pacific
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Update: The MS Carnival Triumph was allowed to sail as scheduled following last minute negotiations.
The 2,758-passenger cruise ship MS Carnival Triumph was supposed to sail today for a five-day cruise to Yucatan and Cozumel. Instead, a Texas judge has ordered the ship held in Galveston as part a $10 million lawsuit filed by the family of a German tourist who died aboard the Costa Concordia. Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise operator, owns Costa Lines, the owner of the Costa Concordia.
“The court finds that the conditions for an attachment of defendants’ joint and collective property within this district, mainly the MS Carnival Triumph, appear to exist upon an admiralty and maritime claim,” U.S. Magistrate Judge John Froeschner of Galveston said in the warrant.
Carnival officials are meeting with attorneys this morning to determine what can be done to allow the ship to sail as scheduled.
Carnival Cruise Ship Ordered Held in Texas in Shipwreck Suit
The fire on the MV Azamara Quest, is one of a recent series of disabling fires and power failures on diesel-electric powered cruise ships. Unlike the MV Azamara Quest, however, the ship’s crews aboard the Costa Allegra, the Carnival Splendor, and the MSC Opera were unable to effect repairs to the ships’ propulsion system. These ships remained blacked out and needed to be towed to port. A brief summary of recent electrical failures on cruise ships:
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Update: A fire broke out late Friday in an engine room on the luxury cruise ship, MV Azamara Quest, while en route from Manila to Sandakan in Sabah, Malaysia. Five members of the crew were injured, suffering smoke inhallation. One crew member is reported to be seriously injured. No one among the 590 passengers was reported to be hurt. The ship has a crew of 411. After a blackout during the fire, the ship had been drifting approximately 70 nautical miles from Tubbataha, in the Philippines, in calm seas.
The ship’s crew has been able to restore partial power for propulsion and to “re-establish air conditioning, running water, plumbing, refrigeration and food preparation onboard for the comfort of our guests and crew,” according to a statement from the company. The ship is now reported to be underway, “moving slowly toward Sandakan,” its next port of call in Malaysia.
MV Azamara Quest is owned by Azamara Club Cruises, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, the world’s second-largest cruise line operator, after Carnival. The Azamara Quest was on a 17-night voyage that departed Hong Kong, China, on Monday, March 26, and included port calls to Manila, Philippines; Sandakan (Sabah), Malaysia; Palapo (Sulawesi), Benoa (Bali), Semarang and Komodo, Indonesia and was meant to conclude in Singapore on Thursday, April 12. As a result of the fire, the rest of the ship’s voyage has been cancelled.
Through an agreement with Snag Films, TheSailingChannel is showing the documentary, Tall Ships: The Privateer Lynx, in HD, free of charge, for a limited time. Thanks to Tom Russell on the Linked-in Traditional Sail Professionals group for pointing out the documentary. See also our post, Honoring the Bicentenial of the War of 1812 with the Captain and Crew of Lynx “America’s Privateer”
On April 14th, at the Mystic Seaport Museum there will be a celebration of the anniversary of the War of 1812 with the captain and crew of the Lynx, “America’s Privateer.” Historian and award winning author, William H. White, will be a special guest. The event will include tours of the ship, a performance by the Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife & Drum Corps, and a book signing of White’s “Our Flag Was Still There.” There will also be live and silent auctions for a position as guest racer onboard Team Artemis AC45 – America’s Cup World Series – Newport, RI, a 5 night oceanfront cottage at the beautiful Waimea Plantation on the island of Kauai, and a one week Nantucket home getaway. To learn more about the Lynx Bicentennial Celebration click here. Please RSVP by April 4 by calling the Advancement Department at 860-572-5365 or emailing advancement@mysticseaport.org. Space is limited. Click here to support the Lynx Educational Foundation and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.
The good folks on the brigantine Søren Larsen are offering a “South Pacific Challenge,” a Youtube video competition where you can explain in a short video why you need to change your life and what a South Pacific voyage on the Søren Larsen would mean to you. Visitors to their web site will have the opportunity to vote on the uploaded videos. Two winners will be chosen to feature in a professionally filmed documentary about their life changing voyage from the Cook Islands to Samoa on the Søren Larsen. Entries must be submitted by Friday, April 20th 2012, at 3pm EST. Click here to learn more.
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No one is exactly sure when Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his four of his fellow explorers died on their failed Antarctic expedition. Today is observed as the centenary of the deaths because March 19, 1912 was the last entry in Scott’s journal. Since his death, Scott has been both lionized and roundly condemned. Depending on who one listens to, Scott was a heroic explorer or a tragic bungler. A commemorative service at St Paul’s Cathedral today is expected to draw 2,000 Scott admirers from all over the world, while Norwegian Roald Amundsen, who beat Scott to the South Pole by a month and returned without losing a man, is largely forgotten outside of Norway. Scott is also far better remembered than his colleague and rival Ernest Shackleton. See our recent post, Recreating Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Epic Lifeboat Voyage.
Captain Scott centenary: Storm rages around polar explorer’s reputation
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The Elgin platform in the North Sea, 150 miles (240km) off Aberdeen, suffered a serious natural gas on Sunday. It is expected at take several weeks, in the best case scenario, to shut off the leak. Some estimates suggest that it will take 6 months to control the leak. The platform is operated by Total SA. The leak is reported to be from a well, known as G4, that was drilled in 1997 and has now been shut for about one year. The leak is estimated at 9 million cubic meters of gas per day or three percent of Britain’s natural gas output.
The U.K. coastguard has established exclusion zones around the area and Shell has evacuated some personnel from its nearby Shearwater platform and Noble Hans Deul drilling rig and suspended drilling operations as a precautionary measure. Shipping was being ordered to keep at least two miles away and there was a three-mile exclusion zone for aircraft.
Total considers relief well to end Elgin gas leak
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