Arco Dart  at Appledore 

 20/2/07 vessel usually makes between 6/7 visits per month

The’Datchet ‘and ‘Port Menai’ returned to the  river on the 2^nd, after assisting in Lyme bay with the slavaging of cargo and containers from the ‘MSC Napoli’and the ‘Port Menai’ has been taking construction material to Lundy.

The tug’Afon lass’ at Appledore,17/2/07 to collect spud barge for delivery to Milford Haven.

Bristol Channel Observations

20/2/07 at 15.40 hrs,Russian cargo vessel ‘Arksay’ inward bound for Newport.

8/3/07 at 10.00 hrs,  Irish coaster’ Arklow Rock’ 4530 tons, dw,owners Arklow Shipping inward bound for Sharpness.

13/3/07 at 17.00 hrs. bulk carrier’Glory Mountain’ dw unknown,owners Yin Hua Shipping,Panama inward bound for Portbury..

13/3/07 at 17.15 hrs cargo vessel,’ MOLSpringbok ‘dw, owners Vulkan Shipping and Trading of Liberia, outward bound from Avonmouth,having sailed at 14.24 hrs.

1/04/07 Entering the port of Bideford, the ‘Ancient Mariner,’DW,owners G Hardaker,Yelland inward bound for the Quay facility.

There have been many other movements, but unfortunately not  sighted.

I have been asked to gather details about  the various grades of clay, and hope to have full details for next month’s edition.

I have also had requests  from newer readers regarding information about ships arriving in the river. Captain Hoad, the port manager and Pilot  displays information on his website captrog@aol.com- go to page 2 regarding arrivals. Please also see the notice board outside his office on the Quay. Readers can always ring me, Norman Hardaker on 01271 861183.

  Regards  Norman   AKA Ancient mariner.