Tristan da Cunha Cruise Ship News 2013-2014

Report on the
2013 RMS St Helena Cruise
updated 22nd November 2013

Voyage 200 Itinerary
RMS St Helena Voyage 200 departed Cape Town on Thursday 14th November
and arrived at Tristan da Cunha on Tuesday 19th for a two night stay
before departing on Thursday 21st to St Helena for a four night stop over,
arriving 25th and departing 29th for Cape Town
where the ship is due to return on 4th December.

The day started with a group of 20 visitors climbing into the police Land Rover at the Post Office and Tourism Centre to be taken to the patches for a hike to the Base.

Shirley Squibb's photo shows one of the Land Rovers being loaded ready for the four mile journey to The Bluff for a climb to the Base at Burntwood.

Alex Mitham and Governor Mark Capes both addressed the crowds gathered at the Thatched House and outside the Prince Philip Hall for the two plaque ceremonies. The following is Alex's prepared text, which in fact was delivered more informally, and with planned contributions from the Governor.

Thank you for coming today to recognise and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Islanders’ return to Tristan. People have travelled from far and wide (an understatement for visiting the remotest inhabited island in the world!) and it is greatly appreciated that so many can be with us this year.
There are two plaques today which not only highlight that momentous occasion honouring the islanders' return in 1963 - but also honouring those Tristan Service Personnel who have fought for the UK and protected these shores.
The community has always had a strong bond with the military, not least from the actual founding of the community - through the wars and to the present day - and we were fortunate enough to recently welcome the HMS Richmond to our shores, reminding us of that bond. The dedication to protecting the island and serving in the military is one that should be rightly recognised, and I am pleased we will be able to do that today.
In regards to the return to the island - From speaking to the community - I can only imagine what it was like in the days after the eruption and subsequent evacuation.
I know the stay back in the UK was not perfect for everyone, but I have - and continue to be - incredibly humbled by how resilient the community is, and how it continues to triumph against all the elements – quite literally in fact – from the ever changing storms, fires, and shipwrecks - to not only survive - but to thrive – and is eager to forge ahead, continually looking to new horizons to ensure the community’s long term future.
I think this is a time to not only reflect on the past, recognising what you, your parents and relatives went through - but to also look forward. The world however much we wish it didn’t – continues to change. Traditions can be lost - but the Island as ever - does not lie down and let that happen – this Tristan House is a shining example of keeping traditions alive, promoting your history and wanting to ensure visitors and islanders understand island life.
The 1961 volcano will always be an ever present reminder of how fragile life can be, but it is also an example of something the whole community has overcome – a show of resilience - of independence. You’ve conquered the elements and continue to do so.
However I really think the next couple of days are not just about celebrating a return to the island, but really about celebrating a community. A community who had the tenacity - the heart - the spirit to return to your island – to start again - to turn around a tragedy into a success, to recreate your community – on your terms – and are still lucky enough to call the remotest inhabited island in the world – your home.
It now gives me great pleasure to hand over to the Governor of Tristan da Cunha, Ascension and St. Helena, his Excellency Mark Capes who would like to say a few words about the celebrations.

Speech of introduction from Alex Mitham
Thank you for all coming tonight. As everyone knows this is a very important occasion for the island. Not only are we celebrating the 50 th Anniversary of the return to Tristan after the volcanic eruption, but we are recognising islander’s dedication to the community, while also welcoming the Governor and many past friends and colleagues back to the island.
Celebrations have been happening far and wide from Glasgow, Southampton, Isle of Man and Denmark to name just a few. The events of 1961 and 1963 touched so many lives and continue to do so.
The 50 years since your return has probably seen the most change in the community’s history. Sometimes for the better – sometimes for the worse - but throughout that time the community’s tenacity to survive and persevere has shone through. In the short time I have been here - I have been humbled by the quiet determination and work ethic – and to be honest many other islands could well learn a thing to from you.
This is an incredible island – but it’s not a utopia, it’s not Disneyland. It’s not perfect. No place ever is. People have to work hard to survive – I don’t need to tell you that. Island life will always be difficult, but as ever - you adapt, you overcome any obstacles. The evacuation and hardships you had to endure show that.
But the island bounced back, gaining world-wide recognition and respect. The community today may well be very different from the one in 1963 – but some things never change – the incredible local knowledge of your environment, the warmth of hospitality, the kindness, the cooking! the duty to family and commitment to the future of the community will always remain.
And this work ethic and devotion to the community can be highlighted tonight as we have several awards to present to people who have shown their dedication to Tristan.
Their efforts have ranged from ensuring the community remains solvent, to assisting the elderly, and ensuring the infrastructure stays running, to helping with environmental emergencies while also fishing the famous rock lobster – to ultimately and maybe most importantly welcoming new life into the community. Their actions are all different– but that selflessness, professionalism and generosity run throughout each and every person.
So without further waffling from me - I have great pleasure in introducing the Governor of Tristan da Cunha, Ascension and St. Helena - his Excellency Mark Capes who would like to say a few words about the celebrations, and has very kindly agreed to make the presentations tonight.

Programme Curtailed as RMS loads passengers early

A strengthening wind meant that RMS passengers were loaded early from 09.30 on Thursday 21st November. Therefore the Thursday programme, including a Craft Day in Prince Philip Hall, a football match between Tristan Tigers and a team from the RMS, and a visit to the CTBTO (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty Organisation) Station had to be cancelled. Only a tour of the Fishing factory went ahead, brought forward to start at 08.00.

Administrator Alex Mitham adds a final note to a memorable RMS St Helena visit:

It was wonderful that the Governor was able to visit the island on such a special occasion and I was very glad we have such perfect weather for the visit. The Governor must be a good luck talisman!

On Thursday 21st the Governor, my wife and I went onboard the RMS St Helena to meet the Captain at 10.30. While onboard, the Captain very kindly invited us to lunch at the Captain's Table. It was a glorious day and the passengers had a lovely view of the island and were able to view the Peak. Unfortunately owing to the increasing swell the Islanders who had done so much work on organising the visit were unable to also attend the lunch.

The Island really did pull out all the stops to make this 50th Anniversary an incredible occasion, and the RMS passengers bore witness to the hard work and dedication of all the islanders. It was also lovely to see the celebrations on Bornholm island in Denmark - While we may be the remotest inhabited isle - we have friends across the globe!

The RMS is a beautiful ship and I cannot thank the Captain and the crew enough for their kind generosity. I hope there may be further opportunities for the RMS to visit again during my tenure.

My wife and I returned to the island at 1.30 as the RMS set sail for the onward voyage to St. Helena, via Nightingale and Inaccessible Islands.