The Press & Journal - 01.06.2019
Marine scientist highlights new book and play about ‘unique time capsule’ SS Explorer
By Neil Drysdale
The original article is here>>
The following is an excerpt from the article :
”John Dunn recalls the time when he used to work as a marine scientist on the SS Explorer, travelling from Aberdeen into the frozen wilderness of the Arctic Circle.
On one occasion, he journeyed from Aberdeen to the White Sea in Russia – a round trip which took him and his colleagues no less than eight weeks.
Even now, at 71, the man who spent 49 years making fresh marine discoveries believes the Explorer – the last surviving steam trawler – which was built in Aberdeen by Alexander Hall’s is a “unique time capsule” from the past.
When it was launched in 1955, the ship had one of only four computers in the Granite City on board – “a massive machine which filled a whole cabin and became incredibly hot” – and it pioneered underwater television in the industry.
His affection for the vessel explains why he has backed the news that a new play and book have been created about the history of the Explorer, which highlight both the rugged nature of life on board and the redoubtable character of the crew.
John Dunn (In the orange boiler suit) worked on the SS Explorer.