Baltic Trader returns to Tristan service
Report from Cynthia Green
Departure from Tristan
Offloading of the Baltic Trader was completed at about midday 26th January 2021. Passengers boarded at 12.45pm and she sailed for Cape Town at 4.15pm. The outgoing passengers are: Gift Chizema, Samantha Lowe, and Rev. Margaret & Mr. Nicolaas Van den Berg.
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| Left: Rev. Margaret and her husband sit in the box with the other passengers to await being lifted by crane from the harbour onto a raft (right) for transfer to the Baltic Trader. Photos: Sally Wonner | |
Arrival at Tristan
The Baltic Trader arrived at Tristan on Sunday 10th January 2021. Passengers stayed on board as a Covid quarantine precaution until 6.30pm GMT on Thursday 14th January when they were brought ashore. Conditions were not suitable for offloading of cargo until the 18th January. The next day for offloading was on Saturday 23rd January, but there was still a bit of cargo to offload, awaiting the next suitable day.
Passengers were: Islanders David & Doreen Swain, Vera & Stephanie Glass, Barbara Glass, Renee & Dylan Green; and Occupational Therapist Kate Sherry.
Archive photo by Bernard Pronost showing the MV Baltic Trader offloading
whilst at anchor off the Tristan Settlement in November 2017.
Departure from Cape Town
MV Baltic Trader has been brought back into service by Ovenstones and departed Cape Town on 1st January 2021 on a delayed cargo and passenger trip. The vessel replaces the MFV Edinburgh, which has resumed its role as the company's main fishing vessel after the loss of the MFV Geo Searcher, wrecked off Gough Island, in October 2020.