|
Jim Porter - I sailed on the RMS
Amazon as an Engineers Steward departing from Victoria Docks on
August 2nd 1963 and returning on 29th September 1963. The voyage was
to Buenos Aires via Vigo, Las Palmas, Rio de Janeiro, Santos and
Montevideo. To say the trip was eventful would be an understatement.
Outward bound entering Vigo the ship hit a submerged rock holing it.
By the time we tied up alongside the jetty it was listing by about
30 degrees. We stayed in Vigo for about five days while repairs were
made. On arrival at Buenos Aires we spent about four days taking on
a cargo of frozen meat. While there one night walking back to the
docks with a couple of mates we were stopped by an armed policeman.
He said we were drunk and ordered us to pay a fine on the spot in
cash. We refused to pay as we were sober. He drew his gun pointed it
at us and again demanded money. Needless to say we paid. The
following evening we stayed on board. That night one of the stewards
was larking about in or by the lifeboats and slipped over the side
falling to his death on the concrete jetty. On the homeward bound
leg we were about 100 miles from Las Palmas on the final leg when
one of the engines caught fire causing an explosion in the engine
room severely injuring three officers. We limped back to London
Docks on half power. I was only too happy to sign off and put this
ship behind me.
|
