This stamp issued by Belgium in 1960 was to celebrate the granting of Independence to the Belgian Congo on 30th June 1960. The design of the stamp is based on a photograph taken by a member of the Congo press showing a pilot cadet in the wheelhouse of the KINSHASA on passage on the River Congo, receiving instruction in navigation from the Master of the tug.
The motor tug KINSHASA was owned by the Development Service of the Otraca, the Office d’Exploitation des Transportes Coloniaux which had a Technical Training School at Leopoldville for students selected for River Pilotage, Engineering and other grades.
The KINSHASA was built as a tug under yard No 671 by Societe Cockerill yard in Hoboken, Belgium.
22 April 1938 launched as the KINSHASA.
Tonnage 310 ton, dim. 99 x 23 x 5.6ft.
Powered by two 250 hp oil engines for a service speed of 8 knots.
Can not find her fate.
Belgium 1960 10c sg?, scott545.
Log Book Volume 10 page 170/71