30 August - The HMS Pandora sank in 1791

 

The HMS Pandora, a British Royal Navy ship, did indeed sink after running aground on the outer Great Barrier Reef on August 29, 1791. The ship was sent on a mission to capture the mutineers from the famous HMS Bounty, who had taken control of the ship and sailed it to Tahiti.

After capturing some of the mutineers, the HMS Pandora continued its journey but encountered treacherous waters and strong currents on the outer Great Barrier Reef. The ship struck a reef and began to take on water. Despite efforts to save the ship, it eventually sank on August 30, 1791. The incident resulted in the loss of several crew members, including some of the captured mutineers, as well as a significant amount of valuable cargo.

The wreck of the HMS Pandora was discovered in the late 20th century, and it has since become an important historical and archaeological site. The shipwreck provides insights into maritime history and the events surrounding the famous mutiny on the HMS Bounty.

The Roanoke Voyages during the late 16th century

 

The Roanoke Voyages refer to a series of expeditions to establish an English colony in the Americas during the late 16th century. The most well-known of these voyages is often referred to as the "Lost Colony" due to the mysterious disappearance of the settlers.

1. First Roanoke Voyage (1584): Sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh, an English explorer, the first expedition was led by Arthur Barlowe and Philip Amadas. They explored the coast of what is now North Carolina and established friendly relations with local Native American tribes. Their positive reports about the region inspired further expeditions.

2. Second Roanoke Voyage (1585-1586): This expedition, led by Sir Richard Grenville and Ralph Lane, aimed to establish a colony on Roanoke Island. However, due to tensions with the Native Americans and a lack of supplies, the colony struggled. When Sir Francis Drake arrived to offer assistance in 1586, the colonists chose to return to England with him.

3. Third Roanoke Voyage (1587): John White led this expedition, which aimed to establish a more permanent colony on Roanoke Island. White returned to England for supplies, leaving behind a group of colonists, including his granddaughter Virginia Dare, who was the first English child born in the New World. When White returned in 1590, he found the colony abandoned, with the only clue being the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post.

The fate of the Roanoke colonists remains a historical mystery. The term "Croatoan" referred to a nearby island and a Native American tribe. Some theories suggest that the settlers may have integrated with local tribes or relocated to a different area. Despite various archaeological and historical investigations, the exact fate of the "Lost Colony" continues to elude researchers.

The Roanoke Voyages are significant in the history of English colonization in the Americas and are often seen as a prelude to the more successful establishment of Jamestown, Virginia, in 1607. The mystery surrounding the fate of the settlers has captured the imagination of historians and storytellers for centuries.

 

17 August - Robert Fulton's the first steamboat in public service

 

Clermont, byname of North River Steamboat of Clermont, the first steamboat in public service (1807), designed by American engineer Robert Fulton and built in New York City by Charles Brown with the financial backing of Robert Livingston.

Although named North River Steamboat of Clermont, it became known as the Clermont. The steamboat was 133 feet (41 metres) long and 12 feet (4 metres) wide and had a draft of 2 feet (0.6 metre). Engines built by Boulton and Watt in England drove the two side paddle wheels, each of which were 15 feet (5 metres) in diameter. On its first voyage, August 17, 1807, the Clermont averaged close to 5 miles (about 8 km) per hour for the 150 miles (240 km) up the Hudson River to Albany, New York. The Clermont inaugurated the first profitable venture in steam navigation, carrying paying passengers between Albany and New York City.

04 August - US Coast Guard Day

 

US Coast Guard Day is observed annually on August 4th to commemorate the founding of the United States Coast Guard (USCG). On this day, the nation honors the men and women who serve in the Coast Guard and their contributions to safeguarding the country's maritime interests and protecting its waters.

The US Coast Guard was established on August 4, 1790, when President George Washington signed into law the Tariff Act, which authorized the construction of ten revenue cutters to enforce federal tariff and trade laws and prevent smuggling. These early cutters, which were the predecessors of the modern Coast Guard, played a vital role in protecting American ports and ensuring the security of the nation's coastal waters.

Over the years, the Coast Guard's mission has evolved and expanded to include various roles such as search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, ice breaking, and maintaining navigational aids, among others.

On US Coast Guard Day, various events and ceremonies are held across the country to pay tribute to the service and dedication of Coast Guard members. It is a day to recognize their bravery, commitment to duty, and the sacrifices they make to protect and serve the American people and the nation's maritime interests.

28 July - S.S Komagata Maru was forced to leave Vancouver in 1914

 

On 28 July 1914, The S.S Komagata Maru was forced to leave Vancouver and sailed for India.

The Komagata Maru incident involved the Japanese steamship Komagata Maru, on which a group of citizens of the British Raj attempted to emigrate to Canada in 1914, but were denied entry and forced to return to Calcutta (present-day Kolkata), India. There they were fired upon by Indian Imperial Police, resulting in the deaths of 20 Sikhs.

Komagata Maru sailed from British Hong Kong, via Shanghai, China, and Yokohama, Japan, to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 1914, carrying 376 passengers from Punjab, British India. Of them, 24 were admitted to Canada, but the other 352 passengers were not allowed to disembark in Canada, and the ship was forced to return to India.The passengers comprised 337 Sikhs, 27 Muslims and 12 Hindus, all Punjabis and British subjects. This was one of several incidents in the early 20th century in which exclusion laws in Canada and the United States were used to exclude immigrants of Asian origin.

08 July - Vasco da Gama set sail on his first voyage in 1497

 

On 8 July 1497, Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama set sail on his first voyage, which would eventually lead to the discovery of a sea route from Europe to India. Da Gama's expedition was commissioned by the Portuguese king, Manuel I, with the objective of finding a direct maritime route to India, bypassing the overland routes controlled by the Ottoman Empire.

Da Gama commanded a fleet of four vessels, including his flagship, the São Gabriel, along with the São Rafael, the Berrio, and a supply ship. The crew consisted of about 170 men, including sailors, soldiers, and interpreters. They departed from Lisbon, Portugal, and embarked on a perilous journey across the Atlantic Ocean, along the western coast of Africa.

The voyage was fraught with numerous challenges, including treacherous weather, unfamiliar territories, and scarcity of supplies. The crew faced sickness, hunger, and the loss of lives during the voyage. Nevertheless, da Gama's determination and navigational skills allowed him to overcome these obstacles.

After navigating along the African coast, Vasco da Gama reached the southern tip of Africa, which he named the Cape of Good Hope. From there, he continued eastward, crossing the Indian Ocean. On 20 May 1498, after several months at sea, da Gama's expedition finally made landfall at the port of Calicut (now Kozhikode) on the southwestern coast of India.

This significant achievement established the first direct sea route from Europe to India, opening up lucrative trade opportunities and solidifying Portugal's position as a major maritime power. Da Gama's successful voyage paved the way for subsequent Portuguese expeditions and the establishment of Portuguese colonies and trading posts throughout the Indian Ocean, shaping the course of history in the Age of Exploration.

 

The Battle of Midway

 

The Battle of Midway was a crucial naval battle that took place from June 4 to June 7, 1942, during World War II. It was fought between the United States and the Empire of Japan in the Pacific Theater.

The battle occurred six months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and marked a turning point in the war in the Pacific. The Japanese sought to eliminate the remaining United States Pacific Fleet aircraft carriers, which they considered a threat to their expansion in the Pacific.

The battle primarily took place near the Midway Atoll, a strategic island located roughly halfway between the United States and Japan. The United States had intercepted Japanese communications and knew the general plans of the Japanese fleet, enabling them to prepare a defense.

The American forces, led by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, were outnumbered but managed to surprise the Japanese fleet. Through a combination of strategic planning, effective intelligence, and bravery, the U.S. forces inflicted severe damage on the Japanese fleet, sinking four of their aircraft carriers.

The Battle of Midway was a decisive victory for the United States. It not only halted Japanese expansion in the Pacific but also severely weakened their naval capabilities. The battle shifted the balance of power in the Pacific in favor of the United States and marked a turning point in the war.

The Battle of Midway is often considered one of the most significant naval battles in history. It demonstrated the importance of intelligence, airpower, and naval strategy, and it boosted American morale while dealing a significant blow to Japanese forces.

31 May - The RMS Titanic is launched in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

 

The RMS Titanic, a famous British passenger liner, was indeed launched on May 31, 1911, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The ship was constructed by the shipbuilding company Harland and Wolff at their shipyard in Belfast. The launch of the Titanic was a highly anticipated event as it was one of the largest and most luxurious ships of its time.

The Titanic was part of the White Star Line fleet and was built to be the ultimate luxury liner, boasting advanced technologies and lavish amenities. It was designed to provide a high level of comfort and opulence for its passengers, with luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining areas, and extensive recreational facilities.

However, tragically, the RMS Titanic's maiden voyage ended in disaster. On April 14, 1912, the ship struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean and sank in the early hours of April 15, resulting in the loss of more than 1,500 lives. The sinking of the Titanic remains one of the most well-known maritime disasters in history.

The launch of the Titanic was a significant moment in maritime history, representing a remarkable achievement in shipbuilding and design. Despite its tragic fate, the Titanic continues to capture the public's imagination and serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of even the most grand and seemingly unsinkable creations.

ON THIS DAY: - 31st May 1911

ON THIS DAY: - 31st May 1911

Titanic was launched, built for the White Star Line by Harland & Wolff in Belfast and when completed she sailed from Belfast on 2nd April 1912, bound for Southampton.

(Pictures of the stamps shown here are Library Pictures)

30 May - Christopher Columbus embarked on his third voyage to the Americas in 1948

 

Christopher Columbus embarked on his third voyage to the Americas with a fleet of six ships on 30 May 1498. This voyage took place in 1498, following his initial voyages in 1492 and 1493. The purpose of Columbus's third expedition was to continue exploring and expanding the territories claimed by Spain.

The fleet consisted of three ships that were carried over from his second voyage: the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria. Additionally, three new ships were added to the expedition: the Santiago de Palos, the San Cristobal, and the San Juan Bautista. These six vessels set sail from the Spanish port of Sanlúcar de Barrameda in present-day southwestern Spain.

Columbus's third voyage differed from his previous ones in terms of the route he took. Instead of heading directly west across the Atlantic, he opted for a more southern route. He sailed along the coast of South America, exploring the regions of present-day Venezuela, Trinidad, and the islands of the Caribbean.

During this expedition, Columbus encountered various challenges and hardships. The voyagers faced severe storms, navigational difficulties, and tensions among the crew. Additionally, they struggled with adverse weather conditions, such as hurricanes and strong currents.

Columbus's exploration during his third voyage contributed to expanding European knowledge of the American continents. He explored parts of the South American mainland, including the Orinoco River, and continued to search for valuable resources and trade routes.

Despite his efforts, Columbus did not achieve all of his objectives during this voyage. His inability to find significant quantities of gold and his clashes with indigenous populations led to growing discontent among the crew. As a result, Columbus faced criticism and opposition upon his return to Spain.

Nonetheless, Columbus's third voyage remains an important chapter in the history of European exploration and the colonization of the Americas. It furthered European understanding of the vastness and diversity of the New World and contributed to the ongoing process of European expansion and colonization in the following centuries.

The British navy sinks the German battleship Bismarck on 27 May 1941

 

On May 27, 1941, the British navy sinks the German battleship Bismarck in the North Atlantic near France. The German death toll was more than 2,000.

On February 14, 1939, the 823-foot Bismarck was launched at Hamburg. Nazi leader Adolf Hitler hoped that the state-of-the-art battleship would herald the rebirth of the German surface battle fleet. However, after the outbreak of war, Britain closely guarded ocean routes from Germany to the Atlantic Ocean, and only U-boats moved freely through the war zone.

In May 1941, the order was given for the Bismarck to break out into the Atlantic. Once in the safety of the open ocean, the battleship would be almost impossible to track down, all the while wreaking havoc on Allied convoys to Britain. Learning of its movement, Britain sent almost the entire British Home Fleet in pursuit. On May 24, the British battle cruiser Hood and battleship Prince of Wales intercepted it near Iceland. In a ferocious battle, the Hood exploded and sank, and all but three of the 1,421 crewmen were killed. The Bismarck escaped, but because it was leaking fuel it fled for occupied France.

On May 26, the ship was sighted and crippled by British aircraft, and on May 27 three British warships descended on the Bismarck, inflicting heavy damage. By mid-morning, the pride of the German navy had become a floating wreck with numerous fires aboard, unable to steer and with her guns almost useless because she was listing badly to port. Soon, the command went out to scuttle the ship, and the Bismarck quickly sank. Of a 2,221-man crew, only 115 survived. 

I am in search of the above MS

Christopher columbus 4th voyage to the New World

 

Christopher Columbus did indeed embark on a fourth and final voyage to the New World, although he did not leave from Spain. Instead, he departed from the port of Cádiz, in southern Spain, on May 9, 1502, with a fleet of four ships.

Columbus's fourth voyage was marked by a number of difficulties and setbacks. His ships were old and in poor condition, and his crew was mutinous and prone to desertion. Columbus encountered several storms and navigational challenges, and he was forced to make several stops in the Caribbean and Central America in search of supplies and provisions.

During his fourth voyage, Columbus explored the coasts of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, and he discovered the island of Martinique. However, he did not find the riches and treasures he had hoped for, and he was often in conflict with local indigenous people.

Columbus's fourth voyage lasted for about two years, and it was marked by disease, hardship, and disappointment. Columbus returned to Spain in November 1504, and he was largely ignored by the Spanish court and left to live out his remaining years in obscurity.

Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Jamaica on 05 May 1494

 

On 5 May 1494, Christopher Columbus landed on the island of Jamaica and claimed it for Spain.

Christopher Columbus, was an Italian explorer, navigator, and colonist who completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain. He led the first European expeditions to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, initiating the permanent European colonization of the Americas. Columbus discovered the viable sailing route to the Americas, a continent that was then unknown to the Old World. While what he thought he had discovered was a route to the Far East, he is credited with the opening of the Americas for conquest and settlement by Europeans.

Mutiny on the Bounty 28 April 1789

 

The mutiny on the Royal Navy vessel HMS Bounty occurred in the South Pacific Ocean on 28 April 1789. Disaffected crewmen, led by acting-Lieutenant Fletcher Christian, seized control of the ship from their captain, Lieutenant William Bligh, and set him and eighteen loyalists adrift in the ship's open launch. The mutineers variously settled on Tahiti or on Pitcairn Island. Bligh navigated more than 3,500 nautical miles (6,500 km; 4,000 mi) in the launch to reach safety and began the process of bringing the mutineers to justice.

Bounty had left England in 1787 on a mission to collect and transport breadfruit plants from Tahiti to the West Indies. A five-month layover in Tahiti, during which many of the men lived ashore and formed relationships with native Polynesians, led those men to be less amenable to military discipline. Relations between Bligh and his crew deteriorated after he allegedly began handing out increasingly harsh punishments, criticism, and abuse, Christian being a particular target. After three weeks back at sea, Christian and others forced Bligh from the ship. Twenty-five men remained on board afterwards, including loyalists held against their will and others for whom there was no room in the launch.

After Bligh reached England in April 1790, the Admiralty despatched HMS Pandora to apprehend the mutineers. Fourteen were captured in Tahiti and imprisoned on board Pandora, which then searched without success for Christian's party that had hidden on Pitcairn Island. After turning back towards England, Pandora ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef, with the loss of 31 crew and four prisoners from Bounty. The ten surviving detainees reached England in June 1792 and were court-martialled; four were acquitted, three were pardoned, and three were hanged.

Christian's group remained undiscovered on Pitcairn until 1808, by which time only one mutineer, John Adams, remained alive. Almost all of his fellow mutineers, including Christian, had been killed, either by one another or by their Polynesian companions. No action was taken against Adams; descendants of the mutineers and their accompanying Tahitians live on Pitcairn into the 21st century.

 

15 April - RMS Titanic sunk in the North Atlantic Ocean

 

Today in History :

On April 15, 1912, the RMS Titanic sunk in the North Atlantic Ocean. The largest and most luxurious ship in the world, the Titanic was also one of the most technologically advanced. The ship had 16 watertight compartments designed to keep it afloat if damaged. This led to the belief that the ship was unsinkable.

National Maritime Day in India

 

 

National Maritime Day 2022: This year, National Maritime Day is celebrated for the 59th time in India. The day is observed on April 5 to spread awareness about international trade and the economy.

What is the theme for the National Maritime Day 2022?
'New technologies for greener shipping' is the World Maritime theme for 2022, reflecting the need to support a green transition of the maritime sector into a sustainable future, while leaving no one behind.

Why April 5?

In 1919, it was on this day the first Indian commercial vessel had set sail from Mumbai to London — SS Loyalty, of Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd. This was also the first ever largest large scale shipping company which was entirely owned by Indians. And once the ship sailed, it was a historic moment for Indian Shipping as at that time the sea routes were under the control of the British.

April 5, 1964, was identified to spread awareness about intercontinental commerce and economy globally. This day is dedicated to the importance of maritime trade in India, as it holds a very strategic location. According to the data of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the country’s maritime trade is almost 95 percent and 70 percent by value.

The stamp pasted on the cover is the first Stamp on Indian Navy it was issued on 5th April 1965 to commemorate the National Maritime Day in the denomination of 0.15np. The stamp features the Freighter Jalausha and the port of Vishakapatnam.

Special Cover India 2022 – Vice Admiral E C Kuruvilla

 

Special Cover India 2022 – Vice Admiral E C Kuruvilla

Vice Admiral E C Kuruvilla was the Flag Officer Commanding of Western Fleet of Indian Navy during 1971 Indo-Pak War . He was awarded Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) for his role in the Operations. He was also Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Mazagaon Dock Limited . He was Fifth Commanding Officer of INS Vikrant.

A Special Cover was released on 26th Oct 2022 at Kochi to Commemorate his 100th Birth Anniversary.

I am in search of the above cover , if anyone has for exchange or sale let me know.

 

29 March - The Battle of Cape Matapan ended in 1941

 

The Battle of Cape Matapan  was a naval battle during the Second World War between the Allies, represented by the navies of the United Kingdom and Australia, and the Royal Italian navy, from 27 to 29 March 1941. Cape Matapan is on the south-western coast of the Peloponnesian Peninsula of Greece.

After the interception and decryption of Italian signals by the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS) at Bletchley Park (the decrypted intelligence codenamed Ultra),ships of the Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy, under the command of Royal Navy Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, intercepted and sank or severely damaged several ships of the Italian Regia Marina under Squadron-Vice-Admiral Angelo Iachino. The opening actions of the battle are also known in Italy as the Battle of Gaudo.

10r Dhow - TRUCIAL STATES

 

TRUCIAL STATES
Stamps issued: 1961
10r Dhow single

A group of Arab sheikhdoms — Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujeira, Manama, Ras al Khaima, Sharjah and Kalba, and Umm al Qiwain — in eastern Arabia, bordering on the Persian Gulf. These states were under British protection from 1892-1971, joining to form the United Arab Emirates in 1971. In June 1963, Trucial States issues were replaced by those of the individual states, which, in turn, were superseded by those of the UAE in 1972.

 

I am in search of this stamp for my collection.

Robert Fulton - first commercially successful steamboat

 

Robert Fulton (November 14, 1765 – February 24, 1815) was an American engineer and inventor who is widely credited with developing the world's first commercially successful steamboat, the North River Steamboat (also known as Clermont). In 1807, that steamboat traveled on the Hudson River with passengers from New York City to Albany and back again, a round trip of 300 nautical miles (560 kilometers), in 62 hours. The success of his steamboat changed river traffic and trade on major American rivers.

In 1800, Fulton had been commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte, leader of France, to attempt to design a submarine; he produced Nautilus, the first practical submarine in history.Fulton is also credited with inventing some of the world's earliest naval torpedoes for use by the Royal Navy.

Fulton became interested in steam engines and the idea of steamboats in 1777 when he was around age 12 and visited state delegate William Henry of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who was interested in this topic. Henry had learned about inventor James Watt and his Watt steam engine on an earlier visit to England.

Vasco da Gama's fleet visits the Island of Mozambique on 02 March 1498

 

Vasco da Gama, 1st Count of Vidigueira (1460s – 24 December 1524), was a Portuguese explorer and the first European to reach India by sea.

Vasco da Gama spent 2 to 29 March 1498 in the vicinity of Mozambique Island. Arab-controlled territory on the East African coast was an integral part of the network of trade in the Indian Ocean. Fearing the local population would be hostile to Christians, da Gama impersonated a Muslim and gained audience with the Sultan of Mozambique. With the paltry trade goods he had to offer, the explorer was unable to provide a suitable gift to the ruler. Soon the local populace became suspicious of da Gama and his men. Forced by a hostile crowd to flee Mozambique, da Gama departed the harbor, firing his cannons into the city in retaliation.

Paquebot meaning

 

 

Borrowed from French paquebot (“mailboat”). First used in Great Britain in 1894, the term was adopted for general use by the Universal Postal Union in 1897.

A postal marking or cancellation stamped on mail posted at sea or in a harbour for processing by the postal authorities at the next port of call. Mail so marked in one country will often carry the stamps of another country.

The word would typically be stamped in upper case, PAQUEBOT, on the postal item, but when described in text would be written with a capital P only, eg, Paquebot.
 

If you are aboard a ship on the open sea, the deck you are standing on is the territory of the country under which flag the ship sails. This means, if you write a letter on a ship in international waters, you are able to use the stamps of the country of the ship. Additionally the officer can hand over the mail to the local post office at any port anywhere in the world and the mail will be delivered without additional charge.

To mark such a special letter as such, Paquebot cancellations are used.

Here we can see three other forms of paquebot marking. 'LOOSE SHIP LETTER' was marked at Melbourne from 1894 to 1930. 

'PAQUETE = BOTE' was marked at port Davao, St. Cruz Isles in 1929. 'PACKET-BOAT originated at Honolulu in 1903.

We find 'Posted on Steamer', 'Ship Letter', 'Packet-Letter', 'Piroscafo', 'Paqu', 'Parquet', 'Ship Mail', 'Vapor', 'Paquebot ou Navire', 'Paq.', 'Steamboat', 'Fra Skib', 'Skibsbrjef', 'Schiffsbrief', 'Paquete', etc. etc....

Pearl Harbor - Dec. 7, 1941

 

This miniature sheet depicts events of Dec. 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor. The battleship USS Oklahoma (BB-37) was sunk at the pier (eventually righted, salvaged and decommissioned); Medal of Honor posthumous awardee Ensign Herbert C. Jones (for actions on the battleship USS California); in the background of the stamp the explosion of the forward magazine of the destroyer USS Shaw (DD-373) is shown. A Day of Infamy in U.S. history.

Contemporary Wood Design -Slovenija- maker of Bled "pletna" boats

 

Anže Logar – maker of Bled "pletna" boats

Ane Logar, who creates exquisite wooden boats at Zazero na Mlinem in Bled, is among the best contemporary artisans who use wood as their primary material. His major offering is the pletna, the recognisable wooden boat that has been a fixture of Lake Bled for decades.


According to certain documents, these vessels were first employed in the 12th century to transport building supplies to the island.The boats were initially referred to as ledenice and then plitvice.
The testimonies from the second half of the 16th century, which describe pilgrims being transported to the island by boats, are more trustworthy. It is unknown exactly when the term "pletna" first appeared.
But because of this, people are aware of its etymology, which reveals that this was a flat-bottomed ship known as Plätten in Bavarian German and Plette, Plettn in Carinthian German.Flat-bottomed boats were referred to as plata or platta in Latin.The Pletna, which has dimensions of 7-8 metres and 2 metres and can accommodate up to 20 people, is the typical Bled boat.The craft is driven standing up (using the "Stehruder" technique) by specially trained pletnarji while utilising two oars.

For ages, the ability to row these boats has been passed down from father to son. On Lake Bled, there are currently 23 of these boats. In addition to the iconic Bled boat, Anže Logar makes other outstanding wooden craft.

Philippine Indigenous Boats – 2021

 

 Philippines issued a Miniature sheet on Indigenous Boats called Bancas. The 55 Peso Miniature sheet was issued on 18 May 2021. The miniature sheet also features fishing boats , rowing boats , & Sailing ships. It is also the National Heritage Month issue.

Bancas or Bangka is used for native watercraft of Philippines , initially it referred to double-outrigger dugout canoes used in shallow waters but now it refers to ships and other larger watercrafts with or without outriggers.

The Indian Coast Guard established on 1 February 1977

 

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is an Armed Force of the Union of India for ensuring the security of the maritime zones of India with a view to the protection of maritime and other national interests in such zones and for matters connected therewith. The Indian Coast Guard was formally established on 1 February 1977 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India. It operates under the Ministry of Defence.

The Coast Guard works in close cooperation with the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Revenue (Customs), and the Central Armed Police Forces, and the State Police Services.

Turtle ship or Geobukseon - Royal Korean Navy

 

Large warships of the sort known as the Turtle ship or Geobukseon were employed by the Royal Korean Navy, most notably in the late 16th-century Imjin War with Japan.
This stamp, Scott No. 225, was created by Kang Bak, printed by lithography, and issued by (South) Korea on November 11, 1955 to honour the 10th anniversary of the Republic of Korea Navy. It features a statue of Korean naval commander and national hero Admiral Yi Sun-shin (1545–1598), the Korean Naval jack, and one of Yi's Turtle ships. It also includes a picture of a Turtle ship that has been rebuilt and is on display at the War Memorial Museum in Seoul

 

 

Norden by the Sea II – Rescue Service

 

 

 

 

This information is supplied by Iceland Post

Norden by the Sea II – Rescue Service

Search and rescue services constitute the theme of the 2012 Norden stamps.

For centuries, Icelandic fishermen have lived with the dangers of the sea. Many lives have been lost in the struggle with the forces of nature. The Icelandic Coast Guard and Landsbjörg, the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue (ICE-SAR), cooperate closely in rescue operations when perils threaten at sea or on land. The professionalism of the Icelandic rescue teams have attracted worldwide attention.

The Coast Guard plays a key role in rescue at sea with its powerful helicopters, ships and planes. The Coast Guard has at its disposal two planes, two helicopters and three ships, Ægir, Týr and Þór. The present stamp commemorates the rescue operations of March 9th 2004 when TF Líf, the Coast Guard helicopter, rescued sixteen crew members of the fishing vessel Baldvin Thorsteinsson EA 10. The vessel went ashore in the South of Iceland after it’s capelin net fastened in the propeller. Rescue units from ICE-SAR assisted on land.

The stamp design is based on an award-winning photo by news correspondent Jonas Erlendsson.

 

TS Stefan Batory- Polish Ocean Lines (SS Maasdam)

 

The TS Stefan Batory was a gas-powered steam turbine driven ocean liner built in Holland in 1952 under the name of SS Maasdam, initially used to service the Dutch East Indies by the Holland America Line. Tonnage: 15,024 BRT; Length: 153.4 m (503 ft); Width: 21.0 m (69 ft); Height: 21.0 m (69 ft).; Speed: 16.5 knots; Passengers: 39 1st class, 734 tourist class; Crew: 336. She was bought from Holland in 1968 and began service as a Polish ocean liner in April 1969, renamed after a king of Poland, Stefan Batory (1533-1586). After TS Stefan Batory was refitted she became the flagship of the Polish Ocean Lines, and she remained in service until 1988. She was the last regularly scheduled transatlantic liner. Here is an image of a stamp depicting the Stefan Batory, issued by Poland on January 30, 1971.

SS Zion - Israel -post-World War II

 

As part of Germany's post-World War II reparations to Israel, Deutsche Werft in Hamburg constructed the SS Zion for ZIM Lines in 1956. Together with her sister ship, Israel, she ran the Haifa to New York route.
The Zion was 152 metres long, 9855 grammes, and 312 passengers in two classes when it was built. She was propelled by steam turbines through a single screw at a speed of 19 knots.

Above is a picture of a stamp featuring SS Zion that Israel released on January 27, 1958. It was created by Israeli sculptor, painter, and graphic designer Miriam Karoly (1926–1994).

SS Normandie - Ocean Liner

 

SS Normandie was an ocean liner built in Saint-Nazaire, France for the French Line Compagnie Générale Transatlantique. She entered service in 1935 as the largest and fastest passenger ship afloat; she is still the most powerful steam turbo-electric-propelled passenger ship ever built. Here is an image of a stamp depicting SS Normandie, issued by France on June 7, 1935, Scott No. 300, Yvert & Tellier No. 299. Just look at that mighty bow wave!

Shipwrecks in the waters off the Isle of Man

 

Isle of Man Post Office presents six stories of the most notorious and significant shipwrecks in the waters off the Isle of Man over a period of almost five-hundred years.

Many hundreds of ships have met their final fate around the coast of the Isle of Man. The Island’s central location in the Irish Sea and proximity to major shipping routes have been factors in centuries of losses.

This six stamp collection, tells the story of six iconic shipwrecks of the Isle of Man.  Four stamps feature archival imagery courtesy of Manx National Heritage, with the older Shipwrecks (The Racehorse and Sancta Catalina), being represented through original artworks by local artist Paul Parker.  

Patache Sancta Catalina - The Spanish Head Armada Wreck 1588

Folk tradition says a Spanish Armada galleon was wrecked in the south of the Island at Spanish Head. People native to Rushen parish are said to have certain Spanish features after survivors married local women, and even today the term ‘Spaniard’ is often heard as a colloquial term for a Manx person from Rushen. 

HMS Brig Racehorse - The Skerranes, Langness 14th December 1822

HMS Racehorse was bound for Douglas to collect the crew of the cutter Vigilant when she struck Langness. Two boats were launched from the Racehorse to seek local help. Despite rough seas, one local boat made several journeys to the wreck. However, on the final journey back to Castletown a large wave swamped the boat drowning five naval crew and three local men.

Brig Lily - Kitterland in the Calf Sound 27th December 1852

The Lily, bound for southwest Africa, with a general cargo, including 61 tons of gunpowder, was caught off the Calf of Man in a storm and driven ashore on Kitterland in the Calf Sound killing five of her crew. Early the next day a salvage party observed smoke coming from the wreck. Carpenters cut a hole in the deck to extinguish the fire. As soon as air entered the hold there was a huge explosion which killed 29 men.

Barque Thorne - Port Jack, Onchan 25th January 1890

The Manx version of Whisky Galore! Heavy seas burst open the ship’s main hatch, and cargo, including whisky and brandy in casks, floated out. The police and customs officials were at hand to try and prevent pilfering, but many individuals still managed to obtain large quantities of spirits, leading to amazing scenes of public drunkenness.

Steamship Clan MacMaster - The Calf Sound 30th September 1923

During dense fog the Clan MacMaster struck the Thousla Rock in the Calf Sound whilst on a voyage from Glasgow for the Far East via Liverpool. She was carrying a general cargo consisting mainly of motorcars, sewing machines, machinery, coal and cotton. She is the largest ship to have been wrecked on the Manx coast. Many homes in the south of the Isle of Man proudly owned a brand new Singer sewing machine after the wreck!

Steam Trawler Cevic - Ballure, Ramsey 26th June 1927

At 3am the second engineer got into the small boat moored alongside the Cevic, to row ashore to collect four men. The rope attaching it to the trawler snapped, and he was cast adrift. His crew mates feared that he would be in great danger in the rough seas. They weighed anchor and attempted to reach the small boat, but failed and the Cevic ran aground on rocks below Ballure on Ramsey South Beach.

Adrian Corkill

Maritime historian Adrian Corkill has been researching shipwrecks in the seas around the Isle of Man for over thirty years. He has built up a database of more than 1,800 shipwrecks and published five books covering several shipwreck topics.

He also explored many shipwreck sites first hand during his scuba diving career which led to the positive identification of a number of shipwrecks and to the discovery of several previously unknown shipwrecks. Adrian is currently working with Manx National Heritage to create the maritime section of the Isle of Man Historic Environment Record from his research.

Paul Parker

Paul was born on the Isle of Man in 1957. He is, for the most part, a self-taught artist. His work is mainly landscape paintings. But also motorcycle racing themes. These are realistic, in a loose impressionistic style. Details being inferred, not defined. He has had many one-person shows on the Island, the first being in 1980. The latest to be held in the Manx Museum this year (2022). He works in watercolour, acrylic and pastel. The subject suggests the medium used. His work is about light and atmosphere. The message, if there is one: "I liked this, and I thought you might too.” A chance to see the world through another's eyes. It's that simple.

Illustrations     Paul Parker
Text                 Adrian Corkill
Printer             bpost
Process            Offset lithography
Colours            4
Paper                PVA gummed 110 gms
Perforations     11.5 per 2cms
Stamp Size       40 x 30 mm
Format             Sheets of 20
Stamp Set         6
Date of Issue     12th October 2022
Limited Editions     Presentation Pack 1100; First Day Cover 1500