ON THE CONTAINERSHIP
"P&O NEDLLOYD BEIRUT"
DAY 5 - 7
(Click on any of the photos for a full size version)
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ON THE CONTAINERSHIP "P&O NEDLLOYD BEIRUT" DAY 5 - 7 (Click on any of the photos for a full size version) | |
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(Left) (Left) Steve on the upper bridge deck with a rare sight these days, the British Red Ensign flying behind him (as we approached Felixstowe). The Chief Engineer gave Steve another tour of the engine room (right), but this time, whilst underway. Suddenly all the (previously inanimate) bits of machinery started to make sense, especially the steering gear. But it was very hot and VERY noisy down there! |  |
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When not down in the engine room, we all loved to check our position on the charts up on the bridge (Left is Steve checking the position off Cabo Sao Vicente. Coming straight from the engine room, up to the bridge was the equivilent of climbing up a 10 storey building. By now, we were heading up the Portuguese coast in the Atlantic (right) and the Atlantic mist gathered as we began to head towards the Bay of Biscay |  |
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(Left) This got a little scarey as the mist (fog) appeared ahead of us like a wall. Soon we were in it, not only unable to see other ships, but even unable to see the front of of our foc'sle. Thank heavens for radar and a highly professional crew ! Thankfully by the time we reached the English Channel (right), the mist had largely dissipated, and Steve could resume his watch on the starboard bridge wing (right), but never one for doing things the hard way, found this method more comfortable as we passed by numerous ships heading for Dover. |  |
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The last night was to be very busy (going through the Dover Strait Traffic Separation Scheme), so the Captain announced that on penultimate night, there was to be a "farewell party", but before that, Paddy gets some navigation tuition from the 4th Officer (Bernard Wolk). On the right you can see that Pam enjoyed the party, which was attended by all the crew (minus those on watch), with the Chief Engineer dressing up for the occasion !, plus the Captain on the right. A karaoke competition was held (Philipinos won)...plus the odd drink or two... |  |
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On the last morning we woke early, aware that the engines had stopped. On the bridge we could see that we had anchored overnight off Felixstowe. We had to wait in a "traffic queue" for some hours before proceeding to the pilot station. During this time (left) many more ships joined the queue. Once the pilot came out things moved quickly and standing on the bridge while the pilot and the Captain brought the ship into Felixstowe was very impressive - parking such a large vessel between two other ships with the assistance of only one tug (this time we COULD use our bow thruster !) So we were home again in England and all too soon it was time to say goodbye to the Captain and crew, all of whom had become great friends after 7 days...until the next time.....Tchuß !
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