Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 3655

  Mike J., Dover

Nice firework pix !

Another angle on the sailing of the MARCO POLO who didn't seem to have any passengers aboard.

Last cruise ship of the year ?





Sunday, 6 November 2016 - 08:32

 

Post 3654

  Sea News, Dover

We had some rough oul weather on Friday evening. The picture above shows the unusual cloud formation over the Port just a couple of hours before the firework display. Of course all these black menacing clouds let go in a big way on the evening in question....we had a soggy seafront, but the fireworks cheered everyone up. Some firework pictures further down the page. By the way...that's the Spirit of France to the right in the shot above.

About midday yesterday Saturday the Marco Polo began to move away. She was heading off to Amsterdam with the initial help of tug Dauntless after, by all accounts, a successful BPA Conference here at the Port of Dover. She had been with us for several days and cut an elegant dash as she moved off in some style.
   
   
  
Don't forget the multiple offers from P&O see 3190.

Sunday, 6 November 2016 - 06:21

 

Post 3653

  Sea News, Dover

   
   
Earlier in the week the survey vessel Diana was manouvering its way around the harbour removing the buoys that were placed there in the Spring. The buoys were to separate the swimmers from the boaters in order to keep all safe. Now with the summer and balmier days long behind us, the time had come to take them away altogether...and the guys onboard Diana were doing the job. You can see them particularly in the top shot just as they yanked one out of the water. I think it was the final buoy, the last one.

The fireworks burst into life last night to the joy of many. Unfortunately the weather was abysmal but the fireworks were terrific, a short display, say 10 mins or so, but intense. Yours truly had a stab at getting a few pictures and here they are... I had a feeling the display started a wee bit early, but this may have been due to weather problems.

   
   
  

An enjoyable set of pictures of the Lifeboat guys below there from Mike. Great to see those.
Earlier the post from Ed was fascinating. Well I never...never knew that was a Dover Patrol monument over there on the clifftop. Great stuff!
Thanks for your nice comments Vic, glad you are enjoying it all everyday. Lots more to come.
PaulB.

Saturday, 5 November 2016 - 15:16

 

Post 3652

  vic matcham , Dovor

Not a lot more I can say about this page only to say ,I start my day by looking at it first even before watching the news on the old box having just done over 1000miles going round Scotland with my wife I still had to get up and log into this page each morning..Thank you

Saturday, 5 November 2016 - 06:28

 

Post 3651

  Mike J., Dover

On Wednesday afternoon Dover’s lifeboat was lifted out for a short routine inspection & a spot of TLC.





Work came to an abrupt halt after the arrival of the meals-on-wheels van with fish & chips.


A friendly bunch & well worth supporting !


Saturday, 5 November 2016 - 01:01

 

Post 3650

  Ed Connell, Dover

Cargoship Bontrup Pearl with dredger Le Sphinx alongside, anchored off Calais. Presume transferring rocks in pursuance of the construction of the Calais Port 2015 project. The Dover Patrol memorial on Cap Blanc Nez is in the background.



The Dover Patrol memorial on Cap Blanc Nez in World War II with German Freya radar mounted on the cliff top. The memorial was later blown up by the Germans and rebuilt after the war. Three Dover Patrol memorials were constructed after World War 1 - one at St.Margarets, one at Cap Blanc Nez and one in New York.


Friday, 4 November 2016 - 13:00

 

Post 3649

  Sea News, Dover

   


100 FREE TICKETS TO BE WON FOR P&O FERRIES' BLACK FRIDAY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TRIPS ON THE CHANNEL
_____________________________________________________________________________________________



ONE hundred lucky Christmas shoppers are being offered a free round trip return ticket with P&O Ferries during 'Black Friday' week to take advantage of discounts of up to 50 per cent in the on-board shops.

'Black Friday' - which this year falls on 25th November - is regarded as the start of the Christmas shopping season in the United States, with many retailers selling their wares at sales prices to attract customers.

P&O Ferries' on-board shops routinely offer discounts of up to 50 per cent on high street prices, with leather goods, beauty products, toys, alcohol and confectionery all highly competitively priced. In addition, this year P&O Ferries is offering a number of Black Friday special deals to tempt Christmas shoppers.

Nicola Tompkins, Head of Buying & Merchandising at P&O Ferries, said: "Our 'Shop and Sail' ticket - where you travel to France and back on one of our ships - usually costs from £14 but for Black Friday week we are giving away 100 free trips on a first come, first served basis. It is the ideal opportunity for Christmas shoppers to buy their presents in our on-board shops, where the discounts of up to 50 per cent will remind you of the days of duty free shopping."

Some of this year's exceptional offers include:

• Up to 50 per cent off the average high street price when you buy six bottles of Barefoot wine - £18 for six. Wines available include Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Malbec and Merlot.

• Up to 50 per cent off the average high street price when you buy six bottles of Blossom Hill wine - £16.50 for six. Red, white or rose available.

• Da Luca Prosecco - six bottles for £26.

• Up to 40 per cent off high street prices on fragrances for ladies and gentlemen.

• For Black Friday weekend, there is an additional £5 off all Christmas fragrance gift sets.

• For Black Friday week only, 50 per cent off selected lines of Radley handbags.

To claim your free 'Black Friday' ticket with P&O Ferries, all you need to do is to be one of the first 100 people to call 0800 130 0030 and quote 'Black Friday Freebie'. The ticket covers a car and nine passengers to travel Dover to Calais from Monday 21st November to Sunday 27th November inclusive.

ENDS

Great deals from P&O there...we all love a bargain don't we... Thanks for the info P&O.
Two pictures added of the Spirit of France, top shot taken yesterday, next shot from a previous time. Taken in different light as you can see.

   


* *

Its great for us when the clarity in the channel is excellent and it was so clear yesterday. The dramtically coloured pictures below are au naturelle and taken yesterday morning early. You can see Calais clearly in the background there as two ferries negotiate their way around the MSC Luciana.

   
  

Yes indeed Mike ..FIREWORKS tonight at 7PM





Friday, 4 November 2016 - 07:15

 

Post 3648

  Mike J., Dover

Fireworks tonight !
From the end of the Admiralty Pier at 1900.



Friday, 4 November 2016 - 06:54

 

Post 3647

  Sea News, Dover

THE LD LINES STORY
__________________

George Holland who has contributed excellent pictures behind the scenes to the Sea News pages has written an exciting new book called ...
The LD Lines Story. A fascinating nautical story indeed which I am sure will be a great read, a book for all to enjoy.
Here is a picture of the frontcover to whet your appetite....

  

I will let George explain more...

"
This may seem like shameless self-promotion (for which I apologise if that is the case), but it's possible some readers of the Sea News forum might be interested to know that Ferry Publications have recently printed a book I have written on the subject of LD Lines - a company that had links with Dover from 2009. It's legacy has been inherited by DFDS who continue to operate the original LD Lines ship, the Norman Spirit, albeit under her latest name of Calais Seaways.

To jog peoples' memories I have attached shots of the five ferries LD Lines operated out of Dover during its short period of operation to Boulogne (and for a very brief while Dieppe too!).

Best wishes,
George.

"
Very welcome George.
And here are the pictures of the five ferries mentioned...
 
   
 
   
  
Top to bottom: Cote d'Albatre, Norman Arrow, Norman Spirit, Norman Trader, Norman Bridge.

* *

Cracking set of pictures below there Mike. Ace work!
Don't Miss Those !

PS: Re Sandwich Bridge. it appears to be power operated these days Mike. There is an electronic masterboard with all sorts of bright lights with buttons to match.. and this I guess clearly controls the operating gubbins!



Thursday, 3 November 2016 - 06:03

 

Post 3646

  Mike J., Dover

Interesting Sandwich pix, particularly with the bridge open - a very rare sight - was it opened ‘by hand’ or is it ‘power operated’ ?
The ‘River Tours’ at Sandwich used to be run by a retired Sealink Master using a former ship’s lifeboat.
I don’t think that he nicked the lifeboat from his last ferry, I heard that it was ex-P&O.

Almost missed the arrival of the MARCO POLO on Tuesday morning [chilly !] but caught her later from various angles..
An attractive Old Lady, built 51 years ago for Russia as the ALERXANDER PUSHKIN.






In case you're wondering what are the four 'things' getting in the way of photo No.3 they are the legs of the jack-up barge TOPJACK who has moved from her long stay in Eastern Docks to the old jetfoil terminal, perhaps to be used in the Western Docks project.

Incidentally the red structure to the right of the turret on the same photo is the café which is open most days [& sometimes overnight during night fishing competitions], a lot more than the Prince of Wales café used to be - very friendly & a surprisingly wide range on offer - can recommend their bacon rolls !




Wednesday, 2 November 2016 - 23:53

 

Post 3645

  Sea News, Dover

  
 
Following on from Ed's picture below a couple more to add of the Marco Polo arriving about 08.30 this morning. We understand the cruise ship is staying for a few days as part of a conference at the Port. She is all lit up and looking good as I write @ 18.16. Very nice ship.

Good to get the pic of Elvira too Ed...she left about an hour ago again...yours truly was unable to get any pictures ... a nice shot too.

Vic yes it was quite a surprise to see the Southern Queen over at Sandwich....was glad to get the pictures though. (see below 3183). These are changing times all round...

PS: that's our old friend Pacific Orca in the distance above...moving down the channel from Vlissingen. More in the SEARCH ENGINE.

Wednesday, 2 November 2016 - 18:22

 

Post 3644

  Ed Connell, Dover

Marco Polo and Elvira in port today.



Wednesday, 2 November 2016 - 12:17

 

Post 3643

  vic matcham, Dovor

I am very sorry to see Richard and the Queen go, there was a place for it to carry on in Dover, and the D.H.B. I think could have done more to keep them both here.
Sorry to say that the D.H.B. is slowly losing my support

Wednesday, 2 November 2016 - 08:19

 

Post 3642

  Sea News, Dover

Ooooooh Scary!! me timbers are a-shiverin'
   

Mini Monster Mayhem in Port's Halloween Spooktacular
____________________________________________

Seafront invaded by freaky fiends

On Friday afternoon, Dover’s normally tranquil seafront was taken over by hordes of magnificent monsters as the Port of Dover’s Mini Monster Race got underway.

Skeletons, ghosts and vampires were among the many contestants competing for the fastest time and the scariest costume. Monsters and Mums and Dads charged along Marine Parade like a horrible hurricane, scaring everyone in their path.

The contest was split into two heats. The three to seven-year-old’s race was won by James and Sadie and the race for eight to fourteen-year-olds was won by Rebekah and Yad. The scariest costume winners were Lennie and Livvie-Mae for the three to seven-year-olds and Sophie and Daniel for the older competitors. All runners received medals and goody bags and the winners also received a trophy and spookily decorated cakes, all presented by Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott.

Port of Dover Director of Corporate Development, Barbara Buczek said; "This year’s community Halloween race was another great success and it was fantastic to see the effort that everyone made. It’s wonderful to see families having fun together and I’d like to congratulate the competitors for helping us all get into the spirit."

Following the run and presentations, everyone tucked into free hotdogs and drinks generously supplied by Riverside Catering and all proceeds from the event have been donated to local charities.


Ends


While over in Sandwich on sunday was delighted to see Richard Mahoney's old battlebus the Southern Queen alongside the quay there. I remember John Mavin was a fan of the vessel, which was built in 1935 and is still going strong. The talk is that Richard Mahoney has given up on the White Cliffs Boat Tours around the harbour here, we haven't had confirmation....but the vessel is now doing her thing as a riverbus over in Sandwich...well I never..

The first two shots were taken earlier in the day at a convenient high tide and the final shot shows her later in the day as they opened the roadbridge there to let an elegant yacht through to the boatyard. We may have more pictures of Sandwich later in week if we can squeeze them in to the schedule.
   
   
Never seen that road bridge open before..... PaulB.

Marco Polo due in as noted by Colette...the last one..



Wednesday, 2 November 2016 - 07:07

 

Post 3641

  vic matcham , Dovor

When we come out of the EU our border force will have to keep their eyes open more and try to keep overseas fishing boats out of our fishing grounds it will be just like old times ,with them bring in fishing boats from over the other side into our port ,they will have to pay big fines and in some case,s have their nets etc taken off them. And keep them here till the fines are paid for before letting them go.

Tuesday, 1 November 2016 - 21:46

 

Post 3640

  Colette B, Dover

CRUISE VISITS
_____________

Wow! Phenomenal photos there yet again from the Sea News team, what a great variety of photos of late, even the Russians got in on the act! Terrific shots of the Border Force keeping pirates at bay

Tomorrow Wednesday Nov 2nd we hope to see the Marco Polo at CT1 arriving 09.00, departing 17.00 hours, she is on our schedule & also the Port of Dover's.

This is an interesting ship built in 1965 in East Germany during the Soviet era for the USSR, she was called the Aleksandr Pushkin. She is now owned by Global Maritime, refurbished in the early nineties and renamed Marco Polo, currently under charter to Cruise & Maritime Voyages.

She has sailed as far afield as Canada, Antigua, the Canary Islands and Madeira. Her itinerary has her sailing from Bristol on the 18th Dec on a 4 Day round trip of 'Festive' Ireland calling at Cork & Dublin then leaving Bristol again on the 21st Dec for a 15 Day Christmas & New Year round trip to the Canary Islands & Madeira.

She is currently sailing off the Devon coast towards Dover, it would be lovely if she does pay us a visit, so watch out for her ... just in case .

So it's Goodbye for now from Me as this is the final cruise call of the season



Tuesday, 1 November 2016 - 14:50

 

Post 3639

  Sea News, Dover

   
Now that's no ones idea of a good photograph above...yours truly got everything wrong. I got half a lighthouse, have a Border Force vessel, and half a light platform. I was trailing the vessel through the camera lens waiting for the ould camera to focus but in an instant the vessel ( Searcher) was behind the famed Admiralty Pier. And the picture was taken. Just as I was about to discard it as a disaster I noticed Police in the picture, by sheer fluke I managed to get a shot of the Police at the very tip of Admiralty Pier and I didn't even know they were there..they were clearly searching the area. What's afoot?
This is a crop below of the above picture to show it clearer..PaulB



This is a slightly better picture below of Searcher but taken alas through the recent murky weather as she heads east this time.
  


FROM HMRC: Pallets of pasta cigarette smuggler jailed
__________________________________________

A lorry driver caught smuggling 2.6 million cigarettes into the UK hidden among a consignment of dry pasta has been jailed for three years, after an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation.

Andrzej Imanski, 39, was driving a lorry stopped by Border Force officers at Dover Eastern Docks in April 2016. Import papers suggested the cargo was boxes of dry pasta, packed within 32 pallets.

Officers discovered around 2.6 million cigarettes boxed and hidden alongside boxes of pasta in 30 of the pallets. The boxes containing the cigarettes were identical to those containing bags of dry pasta.

The estimated excise duty evaded was £645,398. The case was referred to HMRC for investigation.

Alan Tully, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said:

"Imanski assumed the pasta boxes would hide his illegal cargo of smuggled cigarettes. But they were discovered and he’s now in prison. This is the second such jail term this week for cigarette smuggling in Kent and shows that we continue to work with other enforcement agencies to reduce the availability of illicit tobacco, which costs the UK around £2 billion a year in stolen revenue.

"Don’t let criminals profit by undermining legitimate retailers. Anyone with information about the smuggling or illegal sale of tobacco can report it by calling our 24-hour Hotline on 0800 59 5000."

Imanski was found guilty on 27 October ..
after a three-day trial at Maidstone Crown Court. He was jailed for three years.

Ends.


Long range pic above, very long range..Searcher (?) in the Channel approaching a passing yacht.

Great pictures below guys..some cracking shots there from Ed and Mike.
Thanks for the comment Vic.

Tuesday, 1 November 2016 - 06:42

 

Post 3638

  vic matcham , Dovor

Just got back from being in the highlands, so much road works and fog it took over 20hrs to get home, anyway I looked in on the Dover sea page each day and again thank you for the photos.

Monday, 31 October 2016 - 15:43

 

Post 3637

  Ed Connell, Dover

Hellas Reefer at the DCT this evening.


Cliffwater refuelling the three DFDS 'D' class vessels in turn at the weekend.


Border Force cutter Searcher approaching Dover at the weekend.


Monday, 31 October 2016 - 00:05

 

Post 3636

  Mike J., Dover

More windcats -

The CWIND ATHENIA came into Dover early on Sunday morning from Poole & initially berthed in the Tidal Basin before moving into Welington Dock where the smaller VALKYRIE OF WHITSTABLE has been laid-up for some time.




Sorry about the duff info about the expected Dover arrival of the cruise ship MAGELLAN on Saturday who steamed past Dover during Saturday morning for Tilbury.



Sunday, 30 October 2016 - 23:56