TSS Markland 1962 Trip
by Published on 19th April 2025 05:35 AM
I sailed out of South shields on the TSS Markland (Bowaters) August 1962,for Canada to take over the run from I believe the Sarah Bowater,we broke down mid Atlantic ,nopower no engines no radio .we were spotted by a plane ,who contacted the USS Coastguard.the Coast Guard Cutter Evergreencame to our aid,and sent a Radio across by a line.After which we were able to contact the Sarah Bowater.which after a few turns around us we managed to attatch a tow line,She then took us in tow and towed us to Saint Johns.where we had a generator installed on deck for power,and then towed down to Halifax for repairs.We were eating whatever the cook and Chief steward could find and prepare,mostly dried stuff,we were given Beer to drink in leu of tea,coffee,which on pay off the Co tried billing us,After we were repaired we took over the run,another incident occured when one of the Engineers pumped out thick fuel oil over the side instead of Ballast,which covered the rear end ,Bridge wings,masts Decks with Black oil,we were put to cleaning up,with a number of chemicals,which rotted our clothing.Eventually after a bun fight we were issued with new clothing,which I might add was good American stuff Wrangler Jeans,great warm shirts and tough boots.W e had a few more incidents,mainly loss of power,and steering at crucial times,like going past the Statue of Liberty,going into Newport News etc.Was the worst trip at sea I ever had,on pay off,I went on leave and didn,t look at going to sea for about six months.
