Geo Searcher's 2018-2019 Fishing Voyage
Report from Cynthia Green
Departure from Tristan
Passengers boarded MFV Geo Searcher early on Friday 11th January and she sailed for Cape Town at 9.50am
Passengers: Islanders Adrian Swain, Barney Swain, Rodney Green, Sarah and Connor Glass-Green and Janine Lavarello and Nurse Jacoba-Kumi Joubert.
Arrival at Tristan
MFV Geo Searcher arrived at Tristan just after 9am on Sunday 18th November and passengers came ashore about 11am. Offloading began the following morning and was completd by noon, after which the ship proceeded to outer-island fishing grounds.
 |
|
 |
 |
| Shirley Squibb's photos taken on 19th November show - Top: MFV Geo Searcher anchored off Tristan; Above left: Barge alongside during off-loading; Above right: Rope sling with cabbages and onions being lowered onto harbour-side Below: Barge in Calshot Harbour during off-loading. |
|
 |
|
Departure from Cape Town
MFV Geo Searcher departed Cape Town during the afternoon of Saturday 10th November as scheduled. Passengers aboard were islanders Danny Swain, Lynette Green, Leah-Faye Green, Simon Glass, Natasha Glass, Chloe Glass, Owen Glass, Marion Collins, Joyce Hagan, Lewis Glass, Emma Swain and Tyler Swain.
As well as carrying the last 2018 mail, including Christmas post, the ship carries the final 2018 supplies, including fresh fruit and vegetables for the Christmas and New Year period.
The next supplies and mail will be aboard MFV Edinburgh, due to arrive on 23rd January 2019. There may be ten ships a year to Tristan, but they are not evenly spread through the year and there is usually a long gap over mid-summer - this year of about 10 weeks. All part of the way of life in the world's most isolated community.
MFV Geo-Searcher off Tristan as the ship arrived on its inaugural voyage on 15th April 2017 (Photo: Sean Burns)