Mebo 1 & 2 in Libya - Part 1
An exclusive two part feature on the former Radio Northsea International ships Mebo 1 & 2
RNI closed down for the final time on 31st August 1974 having broadcast off the European coast since January 1970
The following 35mm transparencies have just been discovered in a shed by Robin Banks former Transmitter Engineer & Jock on RNI
Despite suffering from exposure to damp we've enhanced the quality to improve viewing
The two ship were towed to Slikkerveer harbour Rotterdam & laid up
Plans were soon underway for an Italian station Radio Nova but the project floundered in late 1974 & the ships remained in Slikkerveer
Eventually the vessels are sold & sail to Libya Robin stayed aboard as Radio Engineer
Commercial cargo shipping in Tripoli Harbour in 1977 taken from the top of the mast of the Mebo 2
Just a few miles from Malta in the Mediterranean, Libya on the North coast of Africa has been an important outpost since the days of the Roman Empire
Mebo 2 reaches Libya in 1977
The ships are prepared to carry four separate radio services
Looking down from the top of the aerial mast to the decks of the Mebo 1 & 2
The crew are presided over by a Yugoslavian Captain
Alfonso the cook works the Galley with Piet
Alfonso stabs the cake at the on deck BBQ
Nightime shot on deck of RNI ship engineer Jop De Pau left & right Robin proposes a toast
Up by the funnel sea crew that had sailed the Mebo from Rotterdam
Looking down from the top of the mast as work continues on aerials
Equipped with its 5 transmitters 2 Medium Wave & Short Wave, & an FM the Mebo 2 was to broadcast Radio Jamharia, the Arab Voice, Libya International in English & the Holy Koran
Mebo 1 & 2
Cat in a cabin with Piet
Bunting flags flying from the Mast
Heinz Hurter on test broadcast
Edwin Bollier's second wife's brother Heinz was the only Swiss National to remain aboard the ship in Libya
Mebo 2 with the addition of a T'ariel
This feature will continue in Mebo 1 & 2 in Libya
Grateful thanks to Robin Banks for these unique & rare pictures of the Mebo's in Libya