Last week, I received a note from Mr. Maurice Napier, of Arbroath, Scotland.
During 2001, Mr. Napier vacationed twice on Man-O-War Cay, Abaco. A retired naval architect and ship enthusiast, he photographed a number of local vessels during his visits, and he’s now hoping to identify them.
Vessel #1
Mr. Napier points out that vessels #1 (above) and #2 (below) appear to be similar but different vessels, with the engine exhausts behind the deckhouse on #2 being very distinctive.
Vessel #2
Mr. Napier suspects that Vessel #2 (above) may be the same boat whose stern, painted “Abaco Cays Shipping Co.” is visible behind Vessel #3 in the photo below.
Vessel #3
Vessel #4
This vessel’s name appears to begin with “A” and comprise about 4 or 5 letters followed by a single letter. (Mr. Napier wonders if it might be “Alma W” but he’s not sure.)
So, Abaco friends, can anyone help identify these vessels? If so, please provide details in the comments below.
Vessel #1 – 3 are landing craft barges used to transport goods to the outer islands. These boats were use in WW1 and WW2 to land on beaches and shores to offload men or vehicles from the front. I actually drove one of these to Hope town while living in Abaco in the 90’s.