Braving the Storm: The SS Explorer’s Battle with the North Atlantic

A true story from her working days in the 1970s.

With storm winds on the horizon its nothing new for the SS Explorer, having braved the stormy weather and rough seas of the Scottish coasts and beyond. 

In the early 70’s, on returning from a voyage in Icelandic waters, the Explorer encountered severe storm conditions. While heading into the storm, a large sea broke over the bow and a lump of green water struck the casing with such force, that it stove in the bridge front, breaking all the windows and flooding the wheelhouse. 

Thankfully, even with the weight of water on deck, she rose in time to ride over the following wave. The crew were left wet and stunned, some having been swept off their feet, but they had the presence of mind to keep the Explorer's head into the wind, reduce speed, and heave-to in order to assess the damage.  

Originally shared on our Facebook page by Filip.