Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 6672

  Sea News, Dover

The picture above was taken about a week ago...looking across the channel to the very heavy cloud hanging over Calais...while at the same time the colourful sky and sun struggles to burst through. All natural pic. Its normally a great time of year for sunrises but this time around we have struggled with too much rain... rain rain go away come back again another....etc etc.

The picture below from yesterday shows another ship at the all new pier WD4, This time its...and lets see if I get this right...Hendrika Margaretha
...and here we are...


A first visit for Hendrika there... obviously a grain ship. Late in the day yesterday there were quite a substantial amount of grain trucks queuing up delivering. Will aim to get a few more shots on this...

PB

Friday, 29 November 2019 - 07:23

 

Post 6671

  Sea News, Dover

Some pictures now of the relatively new regular reefer...Star Stratos...
Here she is on Monday readying for departure having just left the Cargo Terminal...and indeed eventually departing, she is seen here as she begins her journey to Vlissingen in the Netherlands...the regular destination for many...
Star Stratos


Star Stratos.

The tug, seen peeling away in the final two shots there, was heading back to the Cargo Terminal, or in actual fact to help move Pacific Reefer from the Eastern Arm where she had been waiting, directly to the Cargo Terminal. Very busy down there once again.

PaulB

Thursday, 28 November 2019 - 06:37

 

Post 6670

  Sea News, Dover

Clocking on to Christmas Time at Deal Pier
______________________________________


Time and tide wait for no one so the saying goes, so it’s good news that Deal Pier has a brand new clock! Installed as part of the £1m revamp of the popular local attraction, the bespoke art-deco style clock was manufactured by Smith of Derby, clockmakers since 1856, and has been installed at the entrance to the pier.

Along with the new clock, the entrance to the pier also now features a new digital media screen which will have a showreel of the pier’s history along with information on the Deal Pier Kitchen eaterie, local weather, tide and fishing information, and promoting local tourist attractions.

Adding a festive cheer to the pier this year, Dover District Council has also unveiled an 18ft Christmas tree on the pier apron. The lights were switched-on Friday (22 November) to coincide with the town’s Christmas lights event organised by the Deal & Walmer Chamber of Trade.

The next stage of the refurbishment works will include the installation of new LED lights along the full length of the pier in the New Year.

Roger Walton, Strategic Director at Dover District Council, said: "Deal Pier is a key focal point for the local community so the new clock is a perfect addition. We hope everyone enjoys the Christmas tree."

ENDS


Thanks to the media team at Dover District Council for the above.

As mentioned briefly yesterday...cruise ship AIDAmar called into Port yesterday tuesday. The visit was scheduled, but it is still something of a jaw dropping moment to see a cruise liner this late in the year. She arrived in the dark and left in the dark
...but as ever, with a bounding bravura we tackled the picture problem that the darkness presents...

And here we are...




Yes...AIDAmar with the help of the tugs, moves astern with lights ablaze towards Cruise Terminal Two in the shots above. She left again around 7pm...the ship is on a 13 day one way trip from Hamburg to Majorca.

Also in port we have general cargo ship EEMS Dollard at the new pier WD5... limited visibility so just able to catch the 'rear end' here... hopefully more pictures later... high tide needed for this one..



PaulB



Wednesday, 27 November 2019 - 07:43

 

Post 6669

  Sea News, Dover

DOVER LIFEBOAT SPECIAL

We just caught the Lifeboat powering out of harbour on Sunday morning...time of first shot above there is 09.33. We have a bonus in the first pic above...because to the left we see the Border Force rib hurtling off out into action also, to the right a fisherman's boat returns to Port after an early morning sojourn in the choppy seas... these pictures taken shortly after the pictures of Royal Charlotte in the previous post....

Dover Lifeboat in action.

For Lifeboat guys everywhere.
Mesmerised to see a big cruise ship outside the 'observation tower' window very early this morning
...AIDAmar a blaze of light through the darkness.
The final ship...

PaulB


Tuesday, 26 November 2019 - 07:24

 

Post 6668

  Sea News, Dover

A picture above there from yesterday morning Sunday (08.36) of fishing boat Royal Charlotte...the sea was difficult as you can see...and the boat was doing some considerable rolling. As the guys were just outside the Port yours truly thought they might give up and return...but no they carried on with a steely determination as you can see in Picture 3.

Picture 2 below is a crop/enlargement of the top picture in an effort to show clarity however not sure it improves clarity as the quality is fairly poor on the enlargement.




We have some Lifeboat shots in the pipeline taken at roughly the same time...they just need a bit of work and a bit of resizing to fit etc etc...so watch for those...
We have featured Royal Charlotte before, you can find her via our Search Engine above.

PaulB

Monday, 25 November 2019 - 07:33

 

Post 6667

  Sea News, Dover

Some pictures now of Border Force Seeker as she sets out on a benign recent morning...pictures from just a few days ago... 'twas benign weatherwise as you can see, but the vessel's busy role is anything but tranquil .. and goes on...
the little boat below is called Y Knot and sure... why not!!?



Although the colour changes significantly above there in the few pictures, they were actually taken at the same time...the bottom two as she turned away from the light just outside the harbour...odd..

Back to the Air Ambulance
Yes another shot of the Air Ambulance helicopter there as she approaches Dover Castle earlier in the week...just noting the large gun at the bottom left of pic. They fire this one off from time to time to mark significant occasions...and it makes one heck of a thunderous bang I can tell you. It doesn't half rattle the rafters in the roof around here, and at one time yours truly's Ming Vase fell off the mantlepiece with the vibration...fortunately it landed on a cushion...

PaulB

Sunday, 24 November 2019 - 06:12

 

Post 6666

  Sea News, Dover

Dover Sunrise:

A couple of extra 'gloomy' sunrise pictures designed to run in harmony with the picture currently at top of page. Meant to use them earlier in the week but with one thing and another...Pictures taken about a week ago...all natural, nature doing the work.

An enjoyable 'Famous Five' from Ted below, very interesting post indeed. Don't miss those pix.

PaulB

Friday, 22 November 2019 - 07:44

 

Post 6665

  Ted, Canterbury

"Five liners from the past"
The Cunard liner CARONIA......Looks familiar....Later became the SAGA RUBY.


The SAGA ROSE sister ship to the SAGA RUBY.

The PRINSENDAM. Recently sold and renamed AMERA.

The BRAEMAR just before she was lengthened in a dry dock at Hamburg.

The BLACK PRINCE. a former North Sea ferry.One of Freds early cruise ships.


Thursday, 21 November 2019 - 16:59

 

Post 6664

  Sea News, Dover

"Smoke on the water...Fire in the sky"
Well not exactly but this exciting phenomenon is quite rare...yet nature put on this foggy display for our delight and delectation on Tuesday morning. Not that early either so easily see-able. Time of first shot above 07.53. That picture looking more into the sun so showing a tad more 'fire'...below looking a smidgen further westward.
Fog on the water...



Just caught Elvira departing for Vlissingen on same day, just got the one pic before she disappeared from immediate view..


Just came across this one below again recently. I took the pic a few years ago but recently spotted it on Google...had forgotten all about it. But here is Elvira again and in very rough weather, and here's the thing... in the very same spot...just a-coming rather than a-going..
Rough weather in Dover...


Nice collection below from Mike...don't miss those pix showing some of the Border Force team ..

PaulB

Thursday, 21 November 2019 - 07:10

 

Post 6663

  Mike J., Dover

On 18/11 three Border Force patrol vessels were noticed in the Tidal Basin, with the NIMROD joining the SPEEDWELL & HUNTER.
All three remained alongside on Wednesday.


The NIMROD was last noted in Dover almost a year ago [post 5938 when again three PVs were in port].




Crewmembers that I met were understandably a little cagey about whether all three were to remain in Dover

On the same day I noticed that the ALERT had left the boatyard where she had been blocked-up for some time.
Neither her or the NIMROD had their AIS switched-on, so it wasn't possible to see their recent movements.

The odd shapes & colours in the smart chromed nameboard are reflections of 'stuff' in the Tidal Basin.

.

Thursday, 21 November 2019 - 02:55

 

Post 6662

  Sea News, Dover

P&O FERRIES CONTINUES TO SUPPORT LOCAL TALENT …
... AS IT WELCOMES THE NEXT GENERATION OF SEAFARERS TO ITS APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME
__________________________________________________________________________________


After receiving a record number of over 180 applications, ten new recruits have been selected to join P&O Ferries apprenticeship scheme - the two-year course commences this month.

The trainees, aged between 18 and 26, come from a variety of backgrounds in Kent, including a former railway worker, security guard, retail supervisor and two P&O Ferries stewards.

Seven members of the group are in training to become Deck Ratings and three members as Engine Ratings, with the course resulting in a SQA Level 2 Diploma in Maritime Studies, certified by the Merchant Navy Training Board and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency.

The full group are employed on a 'Shoreside Learning Contract', meaning that they will split their time between the classroom and at sea. They will spend three one-month periods at the National Maritime Training Centre at North Kent College learning essential skills, which they will then put into practice on board. While at sea, the trainees will gain additional insight from former apprentices who are now in full-time employment with P&O Ferries, as well as individuals from the operators officer cadet programme.

Commenting on the programme, trainee Blaze Robson-Davis, aged 19, said, "My family has a seafaring background and recommended it to me. It is a good life and you get to see a lot of the world at the same time which really appealed to me."

Fellow apprentice, James Goudie, aged 25, added, "What attracted me to apply is the fact that P&O Ferries put your career progression first and the apprenticeship offers a better salary than I would have been able to get elsewhere. I cant wait to be on board."

Mike Willis, Learning and Development Advisor at P&O Ferries, said: "We received a huge amount of interest in our scheme this year and are pleased to welcome our new apprentices to the P&O Ferries family. Our scheme is geared to set individuals up for life, which is reflected through the quality of training we provide and the significant investment we place in each persons progression."

P&O Ferries launched its apprenticeship scheme in 2014 and has since welcomed four successful cohorts to its Dover to Calais route.

Applications for the next apprenticeship scheme open next summer....
To register for job alerts visit poferries.com/careers


Image above:
The P&O Ferries 2019 Apprenticeship Intake:
Front row (L to R): Stefan Palmer, Joel Venner, Ryan Sarahs, Blaze Robson-Davis and Alex Roberts
Back row (L to R): Jack Marsh, Liam Care, Jordon Newport, James Goudie and Jack Smith

P&O Ferries...
The Spirit of Britain above and below...
with the addition of Border Force Vigilant...ever vigilant...

ENDs

Many thanks to the team at P&O Ferries for the top picture and for the information.
A nice shot of the lads there...good luck to them.

PaulB



Wednesday, 20 November 2019 - 06:10

 

Post 6661

  Sea News, Dover

The picture above shows Elvira just after arriving in Port last evening...just catching the late-in-the-day glow of sunlight. She is moving gently and elegantly towards the Cargo Terminal...both tugs lending assistance, one out of shot. She is not scheduled to stay here in Dover for long... will be on her way to Vlissingen shortly, having arrived here from Paramaribo.

Winding back the clock to earlier yesterday, time of first shot 09.53, and we see the Air Ambulance approaching Dover Castle...



The helicopter cant have been on the ground for more than 7 to 10 minutes...then she was off again in the picture below...moving away westward over the Castle. As of yet I haven't been able to find any further info relating to the visit.


Nice pictures and info below..always good to see Seeker up close..

PaulB

Tuesday, 19 November 2019 - 06:12

 

Post 6660

  Cyril Jackson, Dover

Arrival of Border Force cutter SEEKER returning to her berth at Ramsgate on 16/11.



Impressive & good-looking vessels, the ‘gun’ on the foredeck is not what it seems, it is in fact a fire-fighting ‘monitor’


So if WW3 breaks out SEEKER won’t be able to blast our enemies out of the water, but will at least be able to give them a good soaking.



In Dover on Monday, Border Force patrol vessels SPEEDWELL & HUNTER had been joined by NIMROD.

ALERT, blocked-up in the boatyard for some weeks [post 6596], has left Dover for an unknown destination & is not showing on AIS.


Tuesday, 19 November 2019 - 02:21

 

Post 6659

  Sea News, Dover

Port of Dover breaks fundraising record at this year’s Regatta
_________________________________________________

The Port is delighted to announce that the 2019 Port of Dover Community Regatta raised a total of £7,500 for charity; the largest amount it has ever generated. This year’s event attracted around 10,000 people to the beach and town in one day.

For the first time, the funds have been split between three local charities chosen by the Port â€" Dover SmART Project, Pegasus Playscheme and Wetwheels. Doug Bannister, CEO of the Port of Dover, and Amanda Stewart, event manager for the Regatta presented the three charities with their cheques this week.

Amanda Stewart, Senior Property Executive at the Port of Dover said:
"The Regatta is such a fun and lively event, bringing the local community together every summer to enjoy the very best that the seafront has to offer. We always aim for the event to be even more successful every year, so I’m absolutely thrilled that we’ve reached our fundraising record. Most importantly, we are able to spread the funds across three really important charities within the local area."

The Regatta celebrated its 7th year on 4th August 2019, with a huge, energetic program which was the biggest yet. For the first time ever, the Port hosted an Open Air Cinema screening of The Greatest Showman on the beach at dusk. Other highlights were a giant inflatable assault course, a 7.5 metre high climbing wall and Segway’s, plus the much-anticipated Community Raft Race. All funds raised from the event were donated to charity.

Dawn Maddison, Founder of Dover SmART Project said:
"The Smart Project is absolutely delighted to have received such an amazing donation. For us as a small local charity, this will have a huge impact and enable us to keep supporting our community."

Sue Clark, Chairman of Pegasus Playscheme said:
"This will be our starting block for 2020 and will help us so much. We are extremely grateful and proud of our town."

James Salmon, Director of Wetwheels added:
"We will dedicate this money towards themed Wetwheels experiences in 2020 that are aimed at the local Dover community; enabling disabled and disadvantaged people to experience the thrill of powerboating and our beautiful White Cliffs of Dover coastline."

The Port has recently announced that the 2020 Community Regatta will be on Sunday 9th August .



ENDS

Excellent news above there...truly great to see those charities benefitting.

PaulB .. Interesting collection from Ramsgate below from Mike...don't miss those!


Monday, 18 November 2019 - 07:15

 

Post 6658

  Mike J., Dover

A quick visit to Ramsgate on Saturday morning found a couple of interesting vessels amongst the usual windcats & other 'residents'

The workboat FORTH TROJAN was on the Commercial Quay, having come in from Eemshaven & was still alongside on Sunday night.



The large windcat CWIND FULMAR was on the visitor's pontoon but later moved to tie up amongst the other windcats in the centre of the Outer Harbour.


Estuary Services Ltd's pilotboats ESTUARY ELAN & ESTUARY LEADER awaited their next call of duty.


My departure from Ramsgate was delayed a little with the lucky arrival of the Border Force cutter SEEKER.





Monday, 18 November 2019 - 01:32

 

Post 6657

  Sea News, Dover

Border Force Seeker:

These pictures were taken on Friday at midday and you can see how rough it is/was out there. Border Force Seeker was powering through at speed from west to east, the vessel always ready to deal, from one minute to the next, with possible further emergencies … its ongoing...

From the BBC

"
Two boats carrying 17 suspected migrants have been intercepted off the Kent coast. Border Force said it was alerted to one of the dinghies in the Channel at 22:40 GMT on Thursday and the other at 00:15 GMT on Friday.

Eleven Iranian and Iraqi men, and a boy were onboard the first boat and five Iranian men were on the second.

Eight boats carrying more than 90 migrants have crossed the Channel since 8 November.

"

So the alert for the Border Force goes on. The sea was terribly rough...not the weather for potentially lethal dinghy crossings.
UPDATE: We understand a further three migrant boats were intercepted today SUNDAY...the weather was a tad easier today, easier than in the pictures shown here from Friday.


Yours truly tried zooming in below but it didn't work. The picture is poor, debated whether to incude it...but it conjures up the rough day in its own way... Time of first picture 12.15 Friday.


PaulB

Sunday, 17 November 2019 - 07:37

 

Post 6656

  Sea News, Dover

Looking West: Western Docks Dover.



Rough Days in Dover: Much rain has fallen...and when you look at the skies in the pictures above you can see why. This was the situation in Dover on Thursday mid morning. The sun was still battling to get through but gave up before too long...the dark menacing clouds took over and the rains came...


As the pictures are wide landscapes ..have tried to push them so they show that bit larger so all can see well...


Well done Ted below ...a great fast 'Famous Five' collection of Seacats there, hugely enjoyable. Yours truly only had one run on a Seacat, to Boulogne it was, if I'm remembering correctly. Enjoyed it .. so very interesting to see those pictures.
Great stuff Ted!

Ah Yes Del the Hovercrafts supplied a mixed bag of emotions, up and down! ...the Seacats as shown were a tad easier for the traveller but all were exciting in their own way.

PaulB

Saturday, 16 November 2019 - 06:43

 

Post 6655

  Del Styan, Norwich

Ahh the Hovercraft. Happy yet not so happy memories. Great idea, but not so good in practice. Fast - yes, but noisy, shuddery, and coudn't see a thing out of the windows because of the spray.
Sorry to see them go, but the ferry was a much nicer, if longer experience.

Friday, 15 November 2019 - 22:56

 

Post 6654

  Ted, Canterbury

"Five from the past" Now just a memory...The "Fast Craft" era at Dover Western.
Hoverspeed's DIAMANT.


Hoverspeed Great Britain.Holder of the Blue Riband. Fastest Atlantic Crossing.

Seacat Danmark

Seacat Scotland

Speed Ferries SpeedOne.




Friday, 15 November 2019 - 16:29

 

Post 6653

  Sea News, Dover

General Roundup: While photographing the Pride of Burgundy at the Cruise Terminal, the photogenic Noordhoek Pathfinder drifted into view once more...as you will have seen in yesterdays pix. That's an extra picture above there which also shows the lighthouse at the end of the one time Prince of Wales Pier. As mentioned in the UPDATE at the base of yesterdays post...the Pride of Burgundy has vacated the Cruise Terminal and is now back in action.
Recent picture above there of two Border Force patrol boats as they return to base...on the left we have Hunter and on the right..Speedwell. The Border Force continue to have a very busy time with yet more migrant boats picked up. The ordeal goes on...neither of the main political parties appear to have a cohesive plan on immigrants or immigration...its like a chocolate bar - all fudge!

A couple of pictures below of a huge platform being towed down the Channel a few days ago. The pictures are not very clear for some reason but thought it worth including them nonetheless... have the name of the dual tug team somewhere...yes here we are...Karmarina and Carlo Martello.


PB

Friday, 15 November 2019 - 06:58