A bit of a breeze building in the Channel and South coast of UK - called Storm Ciaran Interesting to see the shipping - some vessels taking refuge behind the Cotentin Peninsula. I see the French rescue tug The Abeille Bourbon is on station west of Brest ready to help any vessel in trouble Epic vessel that: Current shipping activity in the Channel Hope everyone makes it safely through the night and the Abeille Bourbon does not have to leave her mooring during the night.
Indeed a rough night in the Channel, and still going on, by the looks of the radars… Agree. Those ships, l’Abeille Bourdon and l’Abeille Flandre are absolutely magnificent! Absolute respect to their crews and what they do…
They have to go out in the really rough weather - particularly that end of the Channel gets rough ! I am in the Channel Islands and the worst seems to have passed but still blowing quite hard here. Stay at home for now and we will see the damage when we are allowed out again. Everything closed today, people who can are working from home. The tug Abeille Normandie has been on patrol all night by the looks of it - at the other end of the Channel. I didn't know there was another French rescue tug at that end of the Channel as well. Makes sense I suppose. If anyone is interested you can track all of this on Vesselfinder website
Thank you. I am looking forward to getting out and having a look round, see if our coastal defences have been breached. Probably lots of rocks and seaweed on the roads ! maybe a few trees down. A friend on the West coast - his son and his mates are looking forward to going surfing kids eh. I am sure there will be people who have had property damaged in this storm - but hopefully over soon.
I worked on ships for many years , and I was fascinated by tug boats ..... ..... and watching them pull , push or prod absolutely massive vessels . They are essentially just huge engines with only enough hull to make them float ! What Iain Banks called a " Feersum Endjinn "
While I'm prattling on , I want to give a big shout out to all of the lifeboat crews .... very brave people ! There are also brave people in the Fire Service and the Armed Forces , but there's a difference .... ..... they get paid to put their lives at risk . https://rnli.org/
Got separated from our dive boat along with my diving buddy when we got caught in a rip tide. Took us probably 2 or 3 miles out but we had all the correct gear on so didn't panic but the sight of the Salcombe life boat with their local knowledge, carving its way through the swell to rescue us still lifts my spirits. I echo your shout out for all people who put their lives on the line to help others (mountain rescue too). Andy
I know, they amaze me as well. They tow Oil Rig platforms across the oceans - ocean going capability. This is the office car park ! went it to check my bike which in the underground part. Called the Property Managers but but there is a bit of a waiting list for tree people to come and clear up fallen trees ! Coastal communities are very proud of their lifeboats. When I was a kid the Coxswain of the Lifeboat was complete hero status.
Gosh I hope all those super expensive boat aren't brought into the storm area & update their insurance.
I remember as a kid we’d play in storms. Lift our coats and see who could stay on their feet. Blown down trees all over the shop… It’s November. The weather usually is pretty shit. And here’s another thing- it nearly always pissed it down on bonfire night… doh!
