Blue Star Logbook

iCaptain Peter William Hutchinson ~ 26th January 1938 - 5th August 2017


I am sorry to announce that Captain Peter Hutchinson passed away today this morning after a relatively short
battle with Cancer.

Following his pre-sea training at H.M.S. "Conway" , Peter joined the Blue Star LIne
on 27th January 1955 as cadet on m.v.”Sydney Star” in Liverpool. He remained with BSL working his way through the various ranks to Master. Peter also spent some interesting time on the Starman heavy lift ships. He retired as Master on 14th June 1997 from m.v.”Sydney Star” in Auckland.
Not many people can say they retired from the same ship they started on!


John Suddes, Peter Hutchinson & Ian MacKillop at Sarnia, Ontario


Peter Hutchinson loading at Syracuse, Sicily for Marsa al-Brega, Libya ~ "Are you sure it's going to fit ! "

The service was held at Landican Cemetery (south chapel) at 12:30 on Monday 21st of August.
The dress code was a bright tie.
Following the service we were invited to join the family at Neston Cricket Club in Parkgate for refreshments and reminiscing.

Our thoughts are with Isobel & the Family at this difficult time

Peter was a great supporter of our antipodean BSL reunions. On more than one occasion he travelled from the UK to join former friends and shipmates on the other side of the world. The last time being to the Hobart reunion in 2015.
It was good to know you Peter, you will be sadly missed, but knowing your resting place should give comfort to Isobel and those others that grieve your passing.
Roger Tonge
Kingston Beach Tasmania

"Very sad to news indeed, I'm so pleased I was able to visit him a few days before he passed away. I first sailed with him when he was chief officer of the Colorado Star in 1968 I was making my final voyage prior to going up for second mates. I have this memory of Peter & I in #1 L/H of the Colorado Star, the crew had been hosing down the decks above. The strum box had become blocked with dried peas and the other cadet, Peter and myself were up to our chests in freezing water taking it in turn to clear it. We were kindly rewarded with a few beers after our dunking. I had great delight in Piloting Peter's various commands into Wellington, never short of an interesting story. Peter & Isobel also visited New Zealand on a number of occasions and we shared many happy memories. My sincere condolences to Isobel and the family."

Peter Stacey