SHIPS x 30 (Includes 'LIBERTY' type) LAID UP in BLACKWATER RIVER, ESSEX 1950s
This rare stunning photo is in excellent condition.
It weighs 14g and measures 25.2 x 20.2cm.
HISTORY MINUTE
During the 1950s, the Blackwater River in Essex served as a prominent
anchorage for a "ghost fleet" of laid-up shipping.
As a result of post-war surplus and changing global trade, over 40 ships
ranging from aging war-built standard cargo ships to outdated tankers,
crowded the estuary awaiting their next deployment or the scrapyard.
The Gothic: A famous Shaw Savill liner that had recently served as the
Royal Yacht for the 1953-1954 Royal Tour.
She was laid up in the river multiple times and became a highly popular
Local attraction with boat tours ferrying sightseers out to view her.
The Helena Modjeska: An American-built Liberty Ship that famously arrived
in two separate pieces after being wrecked on the Goodwin Sands.
The two halves were moored alongside each other in the river for some
time before finally being towed away for scrapping.
The Michalakis: Another Greek-owned Liberty Ship that made local 1958
headlines when she broke her moorings opposite the Esplanade at
West Mersea, allowing locals to walk right around the stranded giant.