I was very lucky that day . I was at that time an Engineer on the Rochester Castle.

At 11 am of the sailing at 4 pm for the Capetown Castle I was sent to her to sail on.

However at 2pm that afternoon I had to return to the Rochester Castle as the new crew were not up to speed with the ship.

We sailed about 7 hours behind the Capetown Castle following her to the islands.on arrival we heard of the tragic exposition.

I lost some very good friends that day who are still sadly in my thoughts .RIP all of you.

My Father who was a superintendent with the company went out to assist in returning her to the uk.