PWSTS Forum for Old Boys, Family and Friends

PWSTS Society · Prince of Wales Sea Training School

Elders & Fyffes

Eric Want · PWSTS Forum Member

Sailed with Fyffes for three years on Changuinola,Chuscal,Leith Hill and Camito.Enjoyed my time with them especially the Leith Hill Joined her in New Orleans and spent six months trading between Gulf Ports and Central America with general cargo delivering her to Germany to be lengthened and converted to a reeefer the next time joined her in N.O. trading general from USA to Central America and Bananas back.ahd a encounter with Hurricane Betsy which finally caught up with us in New Orleans on sailing out of the Mississippi was not a pretty sight or smell.The other three were on regular runs either from Tiko West Africa or Trinidad and Jamaica to the UK Liverpool or Southampton

-- Edited by Eric Want on Monday 14th of December 2009 10:09:00 PM

oldseaboot · PWSTS Forum Member

I sailed with Fyffes from 1970 til 1978.
Worked their GP system and made some serious money, regularly working 100 plus per week, (wish I had the energy to do that now) Had a great time working the states,middle east,Japan and northern Europe. Ran aground on a reef off of Jidda in the Red Sea and had a ship (MV Motagua) break up beneath us in the Pacific.Health and saftey would have a field day now! Started with Fyffes as soon as I gained my AB ticket and stayed with them through the promotions to become Bosun. Eventually the anchor was forced down my throat because of.a dissasterous marriage.( I hasten to add this has nothing to do with the present Mrs Seaboot!) Loved the warm weather, steered clear of the cold lats whenever I could. Sad days that such a life is not available. to young lads of today. Mind you some of the things I saw in the Central American ports might leave them with post traumatic stress syndrom. As for me, I'm fine but I do wonder what happened to the donkey!
Happy days and fond memories. Have got a few pictures of the M boats but can't manage to get them on the ship list. Still I might be sober tomorrow and give it another bash.
Just found my dischargw book from 1972, Did we really look like that?

Bob Pounder · PWSTS Senior Master

Yeah, ya' did 'look like that SeaBoot'....put the pic up.

Bob

oldseaboot · PWSTS Forum Member

Still working on it Bob but will get there.
Just finding my way around a new laptop. Thought these things were meant to dance!