The Orkney Image Library
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Photo taken, 1954, of the "S.S.Amelia" berthed at Coopers Stores,and the "S.S.Earl Thorfinn berthed astern of her. This photo was taken on a dull day not long after the Ayre Road and wall was rebuilt after the great northerly gale of 1953. The"Earl Thorfinn" having survived what should have been a routine trip to Westray in the teeth of a northerly gale ,she had to turn and sail before the storm and ended up in Aberdeen, no Radar and Ship to Shore in those days! The "Amelia" sailed weekly to Leith with general cargo and eggs galore, hardly ever missed a trip. Great captains and crew on these ships. Added by Phil Brough.
Picture added on 01 December 2009 at 00:12
Phil. Was it not the 'Sigurd' that got blown to Aberdeen? I know Hamish Flett was the Captain.
Added by Lex on 02 December 2009
I did not say it was the "Sigurd" that got blown to Aberdeen. The"Earl Thorfinn" was blown to Aberdeen and the Captain was Hamish Flett. The Bosun was a big man called Harry Lovey was credited with strength to hold on to the Wheel along with others, all the way to Aberdeen. The cabin boy's name was Tommy Gray and I think the mate was J. Burgher. An epic sea voyage if ever there was one! Added by Phil Brough.
Anonymous comment added on 03 December 2009
It was very definitely the Thorfinn.
Added by Bertha Fiddler on 03 December 2009
Can you help me, I am trying to find information about my grandfather, David McCaffrey. He was I believe a merchant sailor. he was on SS Amelia till 1942. he suffered an accident at Leith dock either returning from Orkney or going to Orkney. All i know is he fell and hit his head. Can you help at all. he was married to Mary.
Added by Joy Rogers. Maiden Name Is Mccaffrey on 07 March 2010
Kirkwall
