Mersea Island Museum - Blackwater Ships


Ship:      RIEBEECK CASTLE
Arrived:6 September 1962
Departed:8 December 1962
Arrived 2:15 October 1963
Departed 2:26 November 1963
Arrived 3:30 November 1966
Departed 3:16 February 1967
Career:The Union Castle R Class ships ROWALLAN, RUSTENBURG, RIEBEECK, RICHMOND, ROSLIN and ROCHESTER CASTLE were primarily used for the South African fruit trade and laid up in the River Blackwater each year for about three months out of season.
15 February 1967 Tony Wilding signed on in Maldon, for a voyage on RIEBEECK CASTLE.
An entry on www.shipsnostalgia.com gives a realistic view of a trip on the vessel.
"I joined RIEBEECK CASTLE in the Blackwater, what a mess, got on coach at King George V Dock, had to bump start it, got soaked on fishing boat joining ship, half the Engine Room crowd refused to sail, red rust down below, sailed to Las Palmas for bunkers, almost got logged, missed 2 watches, on return voyage in Las Palmas 2 weeks broken down on shore power, scavenge fires every day, the good old days, ?

RIEBEECK CASTLE was broken up Kaohsiung 2 Sep 1971
Oyster Company ledger 15 September 1962 compensation 1 week 3 days.
8 December 1962 compensation 4 weeks.
Dates from Vessel Record Cards

Tonnage:8,322 gross
Built:1946
Type:Refrigerated ship
Owner:Union Castle Mail SS
Official No:180830
ID1180830

Signon for Tony Wilding at Maldon 15 Feb 1967 Date: 15 February 1967.

Above:  Signon for Tony Wilding at Maldon 15 Feb 1967 Date: 15 February 1967.
Source: Mersea Museum / Tony Wilding Collection

Union Castle RIEBEECK CASTLE, thought to be during one of her visits to the River Blackwater - she was in the river 1962, 1963 and 1966-67. Date: 1960s.

Above:  Union Castle RIEBEECK CASTLE, thought to be during one of her visits to the River Blackwater - she was in the river 1962, 1963 and 1966-67. Date: 1960s.
Source: Mersea Museum / Ian Clarke Collection

c15 September 1962. RIEBEECK CASTLE is 3rd from the left. Date: c15 September 1962.

Above:  c15 September 1962. RIEBEECK CASTLE is 3rd from the left. Date: c15 September 1962.
Source: Mersea Museum / Granville Chambers


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