For lovers of the sea, shipwreck tales and the Kouga-Tsitsikamma area, a book just released in time for Christmas, will provide them with fascinating stories of shipping incidents and disasters.
From the earliest known wrecks to those that have occurred in modern times, these and more tales have been included in Coast of Storms A Maritime Story of the Kouga/Tsitsikamma by Port Elizabeth author, Colin Urquart.
And there’s a chance to meet the author and get a signed copy of his book. See below…
There are also tales of great sea rescues by helicopter crews and members of NSRI Station 21 in this 214 page, well illustrated book with historical and modern photos and covering a wide variety of subjects from the area.
Urquart who is also a renown author and photo-journalist, traces a history of known shipping losses along the coast between Gamtoos and Bloukrans Rivers.
In 20 chapters he provides details on the early residents, explorers and settlers, plus the development of Humansdorp and Jeffreys Bay from 1849. There’s also a box chapter on how this latter seaside town’s name was misspelled.
There are new facts on the great fire of 1869, the people affected, the building of Seal Point lighthouse and on how Storms River became the centre of the local timber industry. Not least, there’s coverage on the old fishermen of JBay in the double-ended wooden boats, plus the local chokka industry.
Urquart has also included some of his own experiences as a press photographer, when he covered various maritime events like the collision between the Venpet and Venoil, the Evdokia and the Meng Yaw 366.
The book ends with a look at modern times and developments. There is a comprehensive maritime incident list, a fold-out map and a full index.
(The historical accounts have been vetted by researcher Warrick Sauer for accuracy.)
Price R120. Contact: Clive Shamley: clive.shamely at live dot co dot za or phone: 082 297 1910
Meet the author in St Francis Bay!!
For a great chance to meet Colin Urquart, author of Coast of Storms A Maritime Story of the Kouga/Tsitsikamma, pop along to the Port St Francis Ski Boat Club, St Francis Bay, on 1 November at 6 pm. Colin will be there to sign his books. Snacks will be available and there will be a cash bar.
Any profit made on the books sold by NSRI Station 21 will be donated to this station’s account.
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