Communicator in Suffolk
Updated : 6th December 2011 Issue : 2
Page 1 of 3
We left on the 19th December 2003 as the JWR Apollo towed the MV Communicator to Lowestoft
Here we continue the tale along with notes from those involved as ship is repaired, cleaned & refurbished for its next incarnation as the 'Super Station'
'Flashback' shows the former 'MV Tananger' as the 'MV Charterer' before she became the 'Gardline Seeker' then the radio ship 'MV Communicator'
The 'MV Garline Tracker' which escorted the Communicator into Harwich was formerly the 'MV Ryfylke'
Gardline Shipping
Ltd of Lowestoft, UK in addition owned the sister ships 'R.V. Gardline Endurer'
& the
'R.V. Gardline Locator' the ex HMS Blackburn aircraft recovery vessel built
in 1945 in Blyth
Securely moored within the docks work parties boarded the ship to work diligently towards making the ship habitable & again usable as a radio ship
Laser 558 studio on the MV Communicator
Damp & tatty signs of a harsh life
I'm going to put the ship's main engineer in touch with you, his name is Martin Gilbert I'm sure he'd welcome assistance - Jaybee
Studio pictures taken on 18th April 2004
Laser 558 News Room
News Room
Now re-fitted
I have asked Martin to contact you just incase he hasn't can you please go to the ship in the next couple of days with the Harbourmaster John Wooley and locate some of the spare ropes on the old girl as some of them are coming loose according to John. Best Regards - Dave Miller
News Room carpet
The galley prior to refit
The refitted galley 18th April 2004
Galley floor
Smart & Clean 18th April 2004
Hi guys I'm hoping to get water and the heating working plus some Cabins Habitable this time if possible. I have a list of work that I hope to get done while we are there. Regards Martin
Freshly painted bare walls of the Mess Room
A usable Mess Room
Decorated & with all mod cons
Mess Room table prior to new carpet fitting
Mess Room seats