Monday 17 January 2022

Remember This? SS South Steyne in big swells (1971)

I would regard this photo as one of the best weather themed photos taken in Sydney, but also on our ferry network as well.

Below is a photo that was published.in The Daily Telegraph on February 1971.  The photographer's identity is unknown. Sydney storm february 5 1971 daily telegraph 7 

The photo was taken on the lower deck of the Manly Ferry South Steyne as it navigated its way through Sydney's heads in high seas. Apart from the photographer, there is a deckhand on the outside deck, presumably trying to keep his balance. At right is the sea and has the appearance its about to go right over. I think the ferry was heaving down amongst the swell as the image was taken. It would have been a very rough and stomach churning ride for commuters. 

The old steamers had a very good reputation for being very good at managing the swells, even with more than a thousand onboard. The Freshwater Class could not manage that same reputation, though the Freshwater Ferries in rough seas could keep everyone inside dry. 

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