My 19 years in the Maritime Industry
My 19 years working in the Maritime Industry introduced me to some of the most decent blokes I've known. Suicide, unexplained disappearances and murder are said to be part of seafaring culture if you believe the myths. During my years at sea only one bloke died on-board and that was due a heart attack. Their were nervous breakdowns and dramas involving drugs and alcohol. In 1987 when I was on the Australian Progress 5 crew members were put ashore in the Philippines because of various sickness and injuries. One of them had a burst stomach ulcer but died later as a result of contaminated blood in the transfusions. Joe Montague was a seaman that I got to know in 1986 when I sailed with him on the Mobil Australis. Joe's nickname was, “the Father of Deck Boys.” He was also a relieving Union Official and alleged Homosexual. I never seen this side of him but I recall seeing him wandering legless and drunk one night in Yarraville. The Chief Cook and myself were in a Taxi so we st...