MV OCEANIC ON THE HIGH SEAS CRUISE KIMBERLEY ISLANDS of WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The Buccaneer Archipelago of Western Australia
These are a group of islands off the Western Australia coast. The nearest town is Derby. The closest inhabited place is Bardi. An aboriginal settlement about fifty kilometres away on the coast.
The Archipelago, is over fifty square kilometres (19 sq mi) in size. Composed of about eight hundred islands found between King Sound and Collier Bay. Close to Yampi Sound.
Huge Tidal Range in the
Kimberley Islands
The area where our adventure unfolded boasts remarkable tidal ranges, with the water level fluctuating by over ten metres. This unique natural phenomenon sets the stage for the maritime activities that take place in these waters.
During the beginning of our journey, two members of our newly acquainted crew were engrossed in the arduous task of hoisting up the ship anchor. The atmosphere was filled with the resounding noise of the heavy chain being retracted, link by link, as it emerged from the depths below. Meanwhile, two crew members stood watch, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of this crucial process. One of them diligently sprayed the chain with a water hose, adding a touch of fluidity to the otherwise mechanical task.
Amidst this bustling scene, Skipper Steve 'Tux' commanded the wheelhouse with unwavering focus and determination. His presence was a testament to the dedication and responsibility that comes with steering a vessel through challenging waters. It was evident that his time was not solely dedicated to leisurely activities such as light reading in the captains chair; rather, his role demanded constant vigilance and quick decision-making.
As the ship's engine hummed in the background, a subtle reminder of the power that lay beneath the surface, our belongings were neatly stowed away. Swags, pre-rolled and strategically placed on the roof of the wheelhouse, symbolised our readiness to embark on the next leg of our journey. The anticipation of departure hung in the air, mirroring the ebb and flow of the tides that defined this remarkable maritime environment.
Traveldriven
CRUISE KIMBERLEY ISLANDS
BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO
CREW PULLING UP ANCHOR
ROLLED UP SWAGS ON ROOF
ITEMS DRYING ON
SIDE RAILING
WATCHING A TOUR SHIP MOTORING AWAY FULL OF
'THE MINIONS' WITH THEIR
YELLOW TOPS
& LINE ASTERN FORMATIONS
The MV Oceanic captain Steve, discussing the famous aviator pioneer Kingsford Smith and his Kimberley forced landing site.
On 31 March 1929, enroute from Sydney to England, the Southern Cross aircraft with Kingsford Smith at the helm made an emergency landing on a mudflat near the mouth of the Glenelg River, in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia. The Southern Cross was found and rescued after a fortnight's searching. Dubbed the 'Coffee Royal' incident after the brew of coffee and brandy which the crew had drunk while awaiting rescue.
Traveldriven
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