ON THE HIGH SEAS CRUISE KIMBERLEY ISLANDS of WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The Buccaneer Archipelago of Western Australia

These are a group of islands off the Western Australia coast. The nearest town is Derby. The closest inhabited place is Bardi. An aboriginal settlement about fifty kilometres away on the coast.

The Archipelago is over fifty square kilometres (19 sq. mi) in size. Composed of about eight hundred islands found between King Sound and Collier Bay. Close to Yampi Sound.

Huge Tidal Range in the

Kimberley Islands

The area where our adventure unfolded boasts remarkable tidal ranges, with the water level fluctuating by over ten metres. This unique natural phenomenon sets the stage for the maritime activities that take place in these waters.

During the beginning of our journey, two members of our newly acquainted crew were engrossed in the arduous task of hoisting up the ship anchor. The atmosphere was filled with the resounding noise of the heavy chain being retracted, link by link, as it emerged from the depths below. Meanwhile, one of the two crew members ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of this crucial process. Diligently sprayed the chain with a water hose, adding a touch of fluidity to the otherwise mechanical task.

Amidst this bustling scene, Skipper Steve 'Tux' commanded the wheelhouse of the MV Oceanic with unwavering focus and determination. His presence was a testament to the dedication and responsibility that comes with steering a vessel through challenging waters. It was evident that his time was not solely dedicated to leisurely activities such as light reading in the captain's chair; rather, his role demanded constant vigilance and quick decision-making.

As the ship's engine hummed in the background, a subtle reminder of the power that lay beneath the surface, our belongings were neatly stowed away. Swags, pre-rolled and strategically placed on the roof of the wheelhouse, symbolised our readiness to embark on the next leg of our journey. The anticipation of departure hung in the air, mirroring the ebb and flow of the tides that defined this remarkable maritime environment.

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CRUISE KIMBERLEY ISLANDS

BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO

CREW PULLING UP ANCHOR

CAPTAIN STEVE HARD AT WORK

ROLLING UP THE SWAGS

SHIPMATES TAKING IT EASY

ROLLED UP SWAGS ON ROOF

ITEMS DRYING ON

SIDE RAILING

WATCHING A TOUR SHIP MOTORING AWAY

The MV Oceanic captain Steve, discussing the famous aviator pioneer Kingsford Smith and his Kimberley forced landing site.

On 31 March 1929, enroute from Sydney to England, the Southern Cross aircraft with Kingsford Smith at the helm made an emergency landing on a mudflat near the mouth of the Glenelg River, in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia. The Southern Cross was found and rescued after a fortnight's searching. Dubbed the 'Coffee Royal' incident after the brew of coffee and brandy which the crew had drunk while awaiting rescue.

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SAILING THE HIGH SEAS

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