SOUTHERN SALVOR supply vessel

[aukepalmhof]

Pitcairn’s remoteness means it is dependent on small supply ships to provide a lifeline to the community. Since the withdrawal of the Blue Star Line in 2003, the residents have relied on the smaller vessels that ply their way from Mangareva in French Polynesia, some 500 km away.

Loading and unloading can be a difficult business. Depending on the weather and sea conditions, the decision is made which side of the Island to carry out this tricky operation involving all hands and a good understanding between winch operators and the longboat crews. Sometimes the weather and sea conditions win out, with some items not able to be landed.

The pre-constructed Museum is a good example having to sail past Adamstown twice before being able to be unloaded.

Supply Ship Day is keenly looked forward to as supplies start to run out and mail and ordered items are anticipated. The Longboats are readied and loaded with goods to be taken elsewhere in the world.

From produce to hand carved souvenirs and passengers, this is a busy time for the community with all residents being involved. The heavy work is left to the experts. Building materials, machinery, fuel and even bulldozers are all part of the goods landed. The very heavy items require barge assistance.

The supply ships are a part of Pitcairn’s history and the Pitcairners have much to be thankful for with the service provided by the SOUTHERN SALVOR; CLAYMORE II; BRAVEHEART and TAPORO VIII and all their crews, for whom this issue is dedicated.

http://www.stamps.gov.pn/ click on supply ship day.

Built as an offshore supply ship under yard No 136 by N.V. IJsselwerf, Capelle aan de IJssel near Rotterdam, Netherlands for Offshore Marine Ltd., London.
11 June 1968 launched under the name ATLANTIC SHORE.
Tonnage 499 grt, 180 nrt, 762 dwt., dim. 51.08 x 11.26 x 4.25m., length bpp. 45.67m, draught 3.80m.
Powered by two 12-cyl. ESSL 12 diesel engines, manufactured by Lister Blackstone Ltd., Dursley U.K., twin shafts, speed 12 knots.
Fitted with two rudders, and a bowthruster.
August 1968 delivered to owners.

After delivery managed by Offshore Supply Association, London until 1972.
1976 Sold to Causeway Shipping Co. Ltd., Singapore and renamed in AGULHAS.
1978 Transferred to Causeway Shipping (Panama) S.A., Panama, renamed CAUSEWAY SALVOR, managed by Land & Salvage Contractors, South Africa (Pty.) Ltd.
1981 Transferred to the Causeway Shipping (Panama) S.A., Kingstown/St Vincent and the Grenadines, not renamed, managed by Pentow Marine (Pty.) Ltd.
1996 Sold to Pacific Maritime Investment Ltd., Kingstown/St Vincent and the Grenadines, renamed in SOUTHERN SALVOR, managed by Southern Ocean Maritime.
26 April 2000 arrived of Owenga, Chatham Islands, New Zealand to commence salvage work on the fishing vessel SEAFRESH I which had caught fire on 9 March. She was unable to salvage the SEAFRESH I and on 21 June 2000 she sailed for Picton, New Zealand.
2008 Sold to shipbreakers in Chittagong, Bangladesh.
30 May 2008 arrived at Chittagong.
12 June 2008 beached.
Pitcairn Island 2011 $1 sg?, scott?

Source: Blauwe Wimpel. Marine News. http://www.miramarshipindex.org.nz New Zealand Marine News.

[D. v. Nieuwenhuijzen]

2400 bhp. (1766 kW) IMO.6818459