I was surprised to read under In Port, April 30, a reminder of the 50s sinking of the Mitera Marigo.
It states Falmouth Harbour Master, Captain Frank Edwards, went afloat to assess the situation first hand. He advised Captain Lemos that the ship was sinking and she should be beached near to the Northbank Buoy.
Being on the ship as she was sinking I went back on board HM Customs vessel, Mongoose, and proceeded around the bow of Mitera Marigo and switched on our search light in time to see the bow go under, so switched the light off again.
Just as I did, so I heard Captain Edwards voice shout “switch the light on,” I shouted back “to late as she has just sunk.” Captain Edwards was at a dinner party when informed about the ship and finished his evening before going out.
He was the only authority who could order Captain Lemos to put the ship on the bank. Fox, the agents, did send a boat out to the ship earlier with their agent aboard.
R C Hicks,
Park Road,
Fowey
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here