Blue Star Logbook

Roger Barnett

32 mins · Newhaven
.

Good Afternoon.
Anybody who was on the " Colombia Star " in 1974 may remember this incident , it has been recounted to me by the Chief Electrician of the Reardon Smiths " Fresno City" , he manned the Bridge Searchlights during the search;
At 22-40 on the 27th May 1974 The Captain of the " Fresno City " put out a General Alarm, Cadet John Concarron was reported missing believed to have been lost over board in the Pacific Ocean. The Captain of the
" Colombia Star " responded and joined the " Fresno City " in a search of the area, 40 mins after dawn ( approx. 8 hours later ) the Captain of the Colombia Star reported that they had recovered the cadet and that he was on board and in good shape, he was then transferred to the " Fresno City ", and he was later transferred to hospital where he made a full recovery. The Captain and Crew of the" Fresno Star "are very grateful to the Captain and Crew of the " Colombia Star " for their swift action and cooperation in seeing this incident through to a Happy Conclusion.
It would be interesting to hear details from anyone who may have been involved in the Incident.
Roger

Was it not Deck Cadet Jason Willis-Richards who first spotted the victim in the water?

If Jason was the observer I seem to remember that he was presented with a pair of binoculars by the company. I think there was an article in Gangway with the statement that he had such good eyesight to spot a head in the water he did not really need the set of binoculars!

Andy Middleton

moormast wrote: I think there was an article in Gangway with the statement that he had such good eyesight to spot a head in the water he did not really need the set of binoculars!

Andy Middleton

Yes, typical shipowners comment trying to save a bob or two. But good one Jason (and Roger for recalling the occasion). How are the eyes now Jason?

"GANGWAY" No.1Autumn 1974

I sailed with Jason. Can't remember what ship, maybe California / Columbia. Nice guy.

I was an engineer cadet on the voyage.
I remember the permanently fixed smile on the survivor's face as he was carried onboard, wrapped in a blanket.
Lucky lad!