Chief Islander visits new fishing vessel Geo-Searcher in Poland
| Report and photos from Chris Carnegy of a visit to the MV Geo Searcher as she was refitted as a fishing vessel in a yard in Poland in November 2016 | |
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| Geo-Searcher | Foredeck, with Gdansk crane in background |
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On November 10th and 11th, Chief Islander Ian Lavarello and Tristan Government UK Representative Chris Carnegy visited Geo Searcher as she underwent the last of the conversion work being carried out in Gdansk, Poland. A few days later the ship was due to depart for Cape Town where more work will be completed before she starts service for Tristan in March. Ovenstone chose the vessel for its build quality, sea keeping and the facilities for passengers, including all-en suite bathrooms and a dedicated hospital cabin. The cargo hold can take pallets and many other items, and will have its own fork-lift truck, while two twenty-foot containers can be carried on deck. Any cargo not carried on the Geo Searcher will be conveyed on alternate vessels. The lobster processing facility has had major investment, with modern conveyer systems and innovative designs aimed at maximising both efficiency and quality. Ian declared himself very impressed with the vessel, noting the spaciousness and comfort of the cabins and the level access to the 'air taxi' deck. He will see Geo Searcher again when she arrives in Cape Town. |
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| Hi-tech fishing station in the starboard bridge extension | Ian on the bridge |
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| Typical cabin | |
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| One of the passengers' day rooms | Crew mess |
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| Ian and Chris trying out the new crane! | Foredeck, with Ovenstone's Managing Director Andrew James alongside Ian Lavarello |
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| The overhead conveyer for lobster traps | Crane view |
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| More views from the crane | |
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Above left: Lobster sorting area Above: Geo-Searcher's Stern Left: On deck We look forward to adding photos of Geo-Searcher in Cape Town, and during the first voyage to Tristan. |