New book : Coast of Storms

UPDATE:The launch of Coast of Storms took place in a packed Port St. Francis Ski boat and Yacht Club On Tuesday 2nd Nov. As of today Station 21 St. Francis Bay has benefited by R5 000.00 from the donation of R50.00 per book by the author Colin Urquhart, and we are still selling! Clive and Colin at the launch.Coast of Storms A Maritime Story of the Kouga/Tsitsikamma is a 214 page, well illustrated book covering a wide variety of subjects from the area and contains a comprehensive list of all known shipping losses along the coast between the Gamtoos and Bloukrans Rivers (on and off the coast). Included in the 20 chapters are details on the early residents, explorers and settlers; the development of Humansdorp and of Jeffreys Bay from 1849, and a box chapter on how this seaside town's name was misspelt.There are new facts on the great fire of 1869 and the people affected, and chapters on the building of the Seal Point lighthouse and on how Storms River became the centre of the local timber industry. The old fishermen of J/Bay in the double-ended wooden boats are covered, and there is a comprehensive chapter on the local chokka industry (vetted by researcher Warrick Sauer for accuracy).A number of chapters tell the stories of shipping incidents and disasters on and off the coast, from the earliest known wreck to modern times. Included in the latter are stories of great rescue efforts by helicopter crews and members of NSRI Station 21 St Francis. I have included some of my own experiences as a press photographer covering various maritime events - such as the collision between the Venpet and Venoil, the Evdokia and the Meng Yaw 366.The book ends with a look at modern times and developments. There is a comprehensive maritime incident list, a fold-out map and a full index. The book is well illustrated with numerous historic and more modern B&W photos.The price of the book is R120.00 + R20 postage & packaging. R50 per copy will go to Station 21.Orders to C. Shamley Po Box 69, St. Francis Bay 6312 or clive.shamley@live.co.zaThe book officially launches on 1 November, but you can place a back order.