Can anyone help? BP British Comet

Hi Duffy.
I seem to have looked everywhere for
details of the British Comet,but there
doesnt appear to to be any record or
mention anywhere of her anywhere,
Do you have the right name.

Dave Williams

Hi Duffyfos.

Two contacts for you regarding the British Comet,and
both are on this site,one may even have a photo!!!!!!!
they are Ron Ireland and Tdriver.
Bestof luck in your quest.

Dave Williams(r583900)

Strange thing about the British Comet / Ocean Bridge incident.
The Comet was in trouble making water fast in the engine room and sent out a mayday. Atlantic Bridge responded. She arrive to give aid and was circling the Comet to see if she could be of help. Atlantic Bridge circled the Comet and while she was waiting she continued her tank cleaning. The Engineers of the Comet eventually managed to stop the ingress of water (badly leaking stern tube) and restore power to the blacked out ship and start puming the spaces out. While this was going on the Atlantic Bridge had an explosion from tank cleaning and now became the casuality. Britsh Comet then reversed the rolls and rescued the crew of the Atlantic Bridge and also the Captain's daughter?wife? not sure which.
BP had six 'Italian' ships the Beacon, Star, Comet, Light, Signal, Lantern. These vessels were holy terrors and you were usually only expected to sail on one of them, I was really lucky I sailed on three!!
This will be a bit old now but I have only just found the site.
regards
Bill H ex C/Eng British Gannet

I was a Junior Engineer on the Light in early 1961, promoted 4/E in july and left her 5 months later. She was a great ship for me, too new to have the troubles which plagued the 6 Italian ships in later life

The Light,Beacon and Signal were built at Ansaldo in Genoa and the Sta,r Lantern and Comet built at Riuniti in Trieste. I collect BP ships photos but do not have any of the Comet, but do have some of the Lantern.

Bill, I do know some guys who sailed a lot on the Italians, once BP HO found someone who actually did not mind sailing them they got many repeat trips. By the way I will send you a Merchant-navy PM/email.

Graham Wallace ( ex 1955 BP E/A)

Ref post #1

Hi Duffy,

Like yourself finding hard to locate any 'free' photos of the Comet despite having already located photos of 4 of the 5 sister ships.

I have located a broadside view of the Comet for which you will have to pay a nominal sum of £2.50 or thereabouts. It can be found at the URL below:-

http://www.pets-classifieds.co.uk/pe...1-GALLERY.html

I know its a little late but you may pick it up on your return!

Paul Hattersley ex 4th Engineer - British Comet

MIKEDE
That picture of the BP Tanker going through Suez brought back some really great memories.
Thanks a lot mate :):)

REF POST #1

Hi once again Duffy,

Searching the posts I came across this link which gives you a 'free' photo of the British Comet, at last!

http://www.merchant-navy.net/gallery...-comet&cat=503

Hi Duffy
As said there is the Pic of the British Comet at that Link (See post above this one) and if it may help i have resized it for you!
Cheers

Click on Picture then Click again untill you get the Max Size!
Now just right click and save to your Pictures!

ref post #13
Hello Bill

I sailed on the above BPs
Early 1960/1961
On both ships It was there first year, and did both end of first year maintenance in Genoa.
I dont remember there beind that much of a problem in those first years. but they do seem to have had
problems later. (nice looking ships) they took a good photo Ha Ha Regards John

Hi Duffy
The Comet was my first ship as a navigating apprentice, March 1963. I joined in the Isle of Grain and spent 9 happy months on her. She was one of 6 35,000 tonners built in Italy, I heard that BP got 6 for the price of 5 and it showed in the quality as they became older. I do believe I have a large photo at home, I used to get one of each ship I sailed on,from Britannic House. I am offshore at present in the North Sea, due home in 3 weeks, when I will dig it out, scan it and post it on here for you.
Regards
David