Captain Paul Mathews Crossed The Bar 3rd. March 2025

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Recieved the following from John (V.G.S.A)

"I have just received a call from Lee, Paul's Wife advising me of the Sad News of Paul's passing last night.

Lee has asked me to share the Sad News with you all & she will advise details once known.

Our Sincere Condolences go to Lee & the family."

I will update this notice when I know more

Jim

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Capt Paul Mathews Montage resized.jpg (128.69 KiB) Viewed 144303 times

Captain Paul Mathews 7 May 1940 – 3 March 2025

Paul was born in Liverpool. He started his apprenticeship with Sir William Reardon Smith and
Sons in 1957, straight from school. He was promoted to 3rd Officer in 1960 and later 2nd
Officer. In 1967 he passed his Master’s Certificate and joined Booth Line as Chief Officer,
trading between Liverpool and the Amazon. In 1974 he was promoted to Master, serving on
Booth’s “Cuthbert”, “Dominic”, “Clement” and “Alban”.

In January 1975 Blue Star Ship Management (BSSM) was formed, combining the Blue Star
Line, Booth Line and the Lamport and Holt fleets. The new company slowly started
integrating the crews and in 1977 Paul was appointed to his first Blue Star Line ship, the
“Rockhampton Star”. He commanded many vessels within BSSM, on a variety of trades
until his retirement in 1998, coinciding when Blue Star Line was purchased by P & O
Nedlloyd Ltd and ceased to exist as we knew it.

The above collage shows 13 vessels Paul commanded, the “New Zealand Star” also
appearing as the “Churchill” and “Argentina Star”. Missing are the “Dominic”, and the
“Hoegh Duke”, possibly there could be others.

(I would like to thank the following for supplying several photographs, Chris Howell, Robert
Sulzberger, Richard Tucker and Kevin Norman)

Captain Paul Mathews 7 May 1940 – 3 March 2025 R.I.P.

I am very saddened to hear of the passing last week of our old friend and shipmate Captain
Paul Mathews. I first met Paul and his lovely wife Lee in Vancouver in December 1978 when
they joined the Wellington Star. At the time I was Chief Officer and Paul was the youngest
Master I had sailed with, he brought with him a quiet and more relaxed style to the job. This
was so different to the confrontational style of his predecessor. Paul had experience, he’d
listen, discuss and offer professional advice, with his friendly demeanor, this led to a happy
and well run ship. All helped by Lee who became a lifelong friend to a number of the other
wives on board. At numerous meetings since we have all reflected on those happy days and
the memories that stayed with us.

The last three years have been difficult, our thoughts and love are with Lee and her close
family at this sad time.

Peter and Alison Stacey