Having seen this sailing schooner at the Kuah anchorage I asked the local expats about it in the yachtclub and it turned out it was only operated/ lived on by a couple. I was also told they had employed a crew from Cape Verde that brought her here and then they were signed off.
I only saw them ever so often coming ashore in a tiny 3 person rubber dinghy with an equally small outboard engine. They didn't seem like a very sociable lot either and kept to themselves. Not that I think they anyway would have liked to talk to a complete stranger onboard a classic yacht in the marina. Usually they went for provisions it seemed, and the rest of the time I guess they were tinkering onboard. After all she was built in 1957 and converted around 1992-1995 so I am guessing she needed some TLC many years afterwards. Wonder how she sailed or if the sails were only for assisting as in a motor sailer?
She looked a bit tired at the time so I guess times were tight as well as with 4 hands you won't achieve a great lot, not to mention when you were under the scorching tropical Malayan sun and in the salty waters of Malacca Straits, it wears on man and ship alike. The maintenance is relentless on old ladies as well. Nevertheless she looked a very seaworthy beast of a vessel and I was surprised when I did my research to learn that she is actually a converted ex. British trawler from Grimsby. Before I sailed out deep sea I used to call Grimsby quite often with Bona Fe and discharge steel from Finland over there.
It seems she made it around the world only to run or drift aground in Malaysia and unfortunately it appears she is still resting there at Pulau Bumbon Besar. Such an undignified way to end her story.
Map of Langkawi, Kuah town north and "X" for the wreck
Credit: Google maps
Satellite imaging of the wreck
Credit: Google satelliteSome links to media for Jaguar, which contents are copied below:
Her original look
CAM Jaguar laid up inside of the CAM Civet and CAM Lynx, 16 July 1994
Credit: Michael Green
At the start of her conversion 25/05/1995 Berthed Fish Dock, Grimsby
Credit: Patrick Hill (northeastmaritime.co.uk)
Jaguar 09 May 1998
Credit: Michael Green
Ross Jaguar Built 1957 Cochrane & Sons Selby for Derwent Trawlers Ltd Grimsby
01/1959 Registered to Ross Trawlers Grimsby 10/1959 Transferred to Yorkshire Trawlers Ltd Grimsby
04/1962 Registered to George Frederick Sleight Grimsby
11/1969 Registered to British United Trawlers (BUT) Grimsby
03/1979 Registered to George Frederick Sleight Grimsby
08/1985 Sold to Cam Shipping as an Oil Rig Support Vessel renamed Cam Jaguar
1985 converted to safety vessel
Official Number 181394
Yard Number 1424
GT 355 NT 127
Dimenions 127.5 x 26.5 x 13
Quarter deck 67 Foc’sle 24
Engines 6-cylinder 875hp Ruston
Quote from online source visserij.nl, page 23 in the pdf:
.webp)
.webp)
1992 Bought by Ron and Helen Devereux, Australia
1992 converted to 3-masted schooner with passenger accommodation, 414gt, 124nt
1992 converted to 3-masted schooner with passenger accommodation, 414gt, 124nt
2014 listed for sale
08/2016 dragged/ ran aground at Pulau Bumbon Besar, Malaysia
Photo Supplied by Photomarine
Photo Supplied by Photomarine
Official Number 181394
Yard Number 1424
GT 355 NT 127
Dimenions 127.5 x 26.5 x 13
Quarter deck 67 Foc’sle 24
Engines 6-cylinder 875hp Ruston
* * * * *
Quote from online source visserij.nl, page 23 in the pdf:
"Early North Sea standby vessels, British trawlers, converted to oil rig standby vessels"
By Robert F West
CAM JAGUAR
Built by Cochrane & Sons Ltd, Selby (yard no: 1423), for Derwent Trawlers Ltd of Grimsby, as Ross Jaguar GY694. She was launched on 31/5/1957 and completed in December 1957. She was 130ft 8in long, with a 26ft 11in. Her gross tonnage was 355 tons. She was powered by an 840bhp Ruston & Hornsby 4 stroke 7 cylinder diesel. In 1969, she was owned by British United Trawlers group. In August 1985, she was sold to Cam Shipping, who then converted her into a standby vessel and renamed her Cam Jaguar. In 1992, she was sold to Ron & Helen Devereux of Australia. She was then converted into a 3 masted schooner and renamed Jaguar. She was sold again in 2014. Unfortunately for her new owners, she was wrecked after running aground on an Island off the West coast of Malaysia, August 2016. IMO: 5300467."
* * * * *
The Ross Jaguar history compiled by Paul Hood + WSS Tyneside Branch Hon Sec. (2012 by user magoonigal)
Ross Jaguar the third of an eventual fleet of twelve "Cat" class trawlers, was launched by Mrs. R. Haynes on 31st May 1957. Ross Jaguar was number 1423 from the shipbuilding yard of Cochrane & Sons, Selby, Yorkshire, built for Derwent Trawlers Grimsby Ltd, the parent company of the Ross Group Ltd. After her fitting out was complete, she arrived at Grimsby in December 1957. On Tuesday 10th December 1957 'Ross Jaguar completed her speed and acceptance trials in the River Humber and docked at Grimsby that night. Among those on board during the trials were Mr. H. Croft Baker, director; Mr. P. F. Edge, outside manager, and Mr. E. Rimmer, superintendent engineer, all from Derwent Trawlers Ltd; Mr. J. Croft Baker, former president of the B.T.F.; Mr. Sydney Cochrane, a director of the Selby firm of builders, Cochrane and Sons; Mr. R. J. Shepherd, general manager and Mr. P. Curtis of Drypool Engineering Co. Hull; Mr. A. Taylor, of Shell Oil Co.; Mr D. H. McVeigh, director of Two Counties Transport; and Mr. Beaconby, Mr. Booth, and Mr. V. Laws, of Ruston and Hornsby Ltd, Lincoln.
Two days later she sailed on her maiden voyage in the North Sea, commanded by skipper J. Sheader who was the former skipper of the 30 year old steam trawler 'Righto'.
The first catch of fish was landed on Saturday 21st December, turning out 150 kits for the 10 day voyage. It realized £834. In accordance with custom, the proceeds of the sale of the first kit was donated to the Grimsby Fishermans Dependents' Fund. It was a kit of soles and was knocked down by Mr. Cyril Moody, head salesman for Trawlers Grimsby Ltd., to Mr. Harry Hills, one of the Ross Group's fish salesmen. Mr. Moody also presented him with the customary bottle of Whisky. Thus 'Ross Jaguar' commenced her 'First Life' as a Near and Middle-Water diesel-engined fishing trawler.
The naming of the Cat class trawlers is an interesting tale. A group of children from a Grimsby school were approached by the Ross Group and asked to suggest names in the "big cat" family, for the twelve new trawlers. The names were submitted after great thought and deliberation by the children. Tiger, Leopard, Jaguar, Panther, Cougar, Cheetah, Lynx, Jackal, Puma Genet, Civet and finally "Zebra". Who could deny this child from her innocence and sincerity in submitting her big cat name, and so there was a "Zebra" amongst the "Cats".
With the formation of the British United Trawlers (BUT) group in 1969 the Ross Jaguar, along with all the other vessels in the group, adopted the distinctive funnel markings of a broad white band on black with the legend BUT in dark blue. From all accounts 'Ross Jaguar' performed very successfully as a mid-water trawler. Many of her former Deck Officers and crew have visited the dockside and related their voyages and time spent on the 'Ross Jaguar'.
With the state of the fishing industry in 1982, the once great trawler fishing fleet had been drastically reduced in the wake of the third and ultimately most damaging "Cod War". B.U.T. were determined to continue for as long as possible and kept the fleet at sea. A little respite, but time was running out. All eleven of the remaining Cat Class trawlers, (the 12th trawler, Ross Puma met an early and untimely demise when, on the 1st. April 1968, she was wrecked off Hoy in the Pentland Firth), continued as trawlers and the Ross Cougar has the distinction of landing the last catch at Grimsby in July 1985.
There was no escaping the stark reality that the fishing industry for conventional trawlers had come to an end. CAM Shipping made an offer to B.U.T. to purchase the vessels for use as oil-rig supply ships and contracts were exchanged in January 1985. The First life of the Cat Boat Jaguar was over and conversion work for her new life commenced.
The Cat Boat Jaguar's Second Life
The conversion of Ross Jaguar to an oil-rig supply and standby ship took approximately three months and she was renamed 'Cam Jaguar'.
The gallows, bollards, deck-board stanchions, trawl winch, main mast and fish room hatches were all removed from her deck. In the fish room, the stanchions were cut down to about four feet in height to provide support for a false floor. The middle fish room hatch was replaced with a hooded companionway and a staircase led down to the new survivor's recovery area. A false ceiling and walls turned the old fish rooms into a bright neat area for the installation of row upon row of chairs bolted to the floor in a cinema style layout. A small hospital area complete with emersion bath was fitted. Large stainless steel urns on central service cupboards were to provide hot water and soup. Two large electric blower heaters provided warmth in the spacious open area.
Cam Shipping added two boat davits to the new bare deck, port and starboard, where previously the gallows had been. The davits were to be used for the launching and recovery of the two high powered rescue launches situated on their cradles each side of the foredeck. The boat deck was extended to allow for two ladders. Her hull was repainted "danger" orange with white whale-back and trims. The deck structures were grey and her funnel navy blue with a white Cam logo.
Many ex-fishermen were able to find employment on the "Stand-by" vessels but in time, work on these vessels diminished. The oil companies found their costs escalating and crews were laid off for longer lengths of time. Partly because of this slow-down in the oil industry and also as new safety regulations required "stand-by" vessels to be fitted with two engines, the second one to be a bow thruster. The "Cat" boats were fitted with one main engine, the Jaguar with a Ruston Hornsby 526Kw engine. The result of the new safety regulations in force was that the "Cat" boats could not be employed as "Stand-By" ships and it was too costly to install a second engine on each boat. Coupled with this, the oil industry was experiencing problems and the profitability of running the "Standby" fleet was in doubt for Cam Shipping. The "Cat" boat fleet was put out for sale.
Jaguar's life
Ron and Helen Devereux came to England in search of a new lifestyle in their retirement. The search began for a Dutch barge, motor vessel or sailing vessel. Ron and Helen wanted a vessel which could give the comforts of home and also be large enough to sail to new and interesting locations. The romance of a sailing ship was high on the priority list. The barges inspected were very attractive but not as seaworthy as would be needed if they were to voyage in the Mediterranean, over to the Americas, and further south to Australia and New Zealand. By chance a Yacht Broker in the south knew of the sale of the CAM Shipping Company's fleet of Cat Boats. Brief details were given on their size, construction and condition. After speaking to the Manager at Cam Shipping in the Port of Grimsby, the Devereux's drove north to inspect the boats available. There was a choice of eight boats and after close inspection of performance records, classification details and the general repair of the ship herself 'Cam Jaguar' was chosen.
Now the decision making. Where would the conversation of 'Cam Jaguar' to a three masted sailing schooner take place. The options were to take her back to Australia for the conversion or to find a port on the east coast of England where the work could be carried out. The costs of motoring back to Australia were prohibitive. Grimsby Fish Docks definitely had space for the ship to be berthed alongside and the conversion work to take place. There were very few fishing boats still in harbor and the Cam Shipping Standby fleet was also to be sold off. As there were many skilled engineers, welders and craftsmen still working in the dock area it was decided to carry out the conversion in the Grimsby Fish Docks.
A new deck would be built forward of the deck house structure and each side back to join up with the existing boat deck. There was no reasonable entrance to the ship so an aft saloon was built to provide a sheltered entrance to the saloon and a comfortable recreation area. Three masts were constructed of steel, the lower sections being approximately 60ft and upper masts of a further 30ft. Great detail went into the design detail, preparation and raising of the masts. New deck areas constructed above the aft saloon and above the captain's saloon and the area from which the funnel was demolished. New stanchions with handrails of 'Sepelle' hardwood were installed around the new deck areas, on the stairs and overhead walkways.
The challenge was then on to find a sail maker. Prices were obtained from sail makers in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, England and Holland. United Baltic Sails in Holland was chosen for their skill in sail making for many tall ships, their quality of finish and price. Fitting out below the new decks, starboard and portside was a long and arduous task. New accommodation was provided portside and starboard, a new mess area, completely refitting the galley, a laundry, freezer room and the upgrading of both existing bathrooms.
'Cam Jaguar' had its own generators which are DC power and used for steerage, major pumps, fire alarms, emergency lighting and general lighting using 110v bulbs. As the decision was to install modern appliances, heating and lighting, as well as being able to use all electrical tools, a large 240V generator would need to be installed on board.
Extensive work which has been completed fitting out new and existing cabins, provides eight double and four single cabins. The fish hold area created in 'Jaguar's' first life has been converted to provide a gymnasium, library, floor space for sewing machines for sail repair, sail store and two office areas.
Helen Devereux
* * * * *
Jaguar in Grimsby 18 August 2005
Credit: Robert J Smith (shipspotting)
* * * * *
Berthed at Las Palmas on 18/11/2005. Built as the side trawler "Ross Jaguar" in 1957 by Cochrane & Sons Ltd., Selby, England (1424). Converted to the Safety stand-by vessel "Cam Jaguar" in 1985 and latterly to this threemaster & owned by an Australian chap. What a history & good to see she retains her original port of registry, Grimsby!
Credit: Patalavaca (shipsnostalgia)
Ruud Peter in shipsnostalgia commented following on above picture:
IMO number: 5300467
Name of ship: JAGUAR
Gross tonnage: 141
Type of ship: Standby-Safety
Vessel Year of build: 1957
Flag: United Kingdom
Status of ship: In Service
Registered owner: De Silva.
Address: 12, Whitecross Street, Barton-on-Humber U.K.
Ship manager: De Silva. Address: 12, Whitecross Street, Barton-on-Humber U.K.
Last update: 15-03-2004
* * * * *
Jaguar in Auckland in 2007
Credit: Chris Howell (shipspotting)
* * * * *
Jaguar departing Auckland 18th June 2007
Credit: Stephen Chester (shipspotting)
* * * * *
Grimsby Telegraph article 26 Oct 2017:
Grimsby Telegraph
.webp)
Grimsby Telegraph
Grimsby Telegraph
.webp)
Grimsby Telegraph
The Jaguar was a sister ship of the Ross Tiger, now the centre of the Fishing Heritage Centre.
According to Clare Newlands, the captain's partner, the ex-trawler has been completely abandoned and is now too dangerous to enter after having "dragged" and ended up on rocks on August 2016.
The former Ross Jaguar ran aground in August 2016 on an island off the west coast of Malaysia
Clare described the wreck as "eerie" - a far cry from the camaraderie of the old crews which made her such a special vessel.
Speaking about the moment she first saw the ship after she dragged her anchor and lost around 120 meters of chain in 2013, Clare said: "She was very grand, very old, majestic as I wandered around not only the bridge, living areas, crew areas but the engine room as well.
"I was overwhelmed by the size of her and quality of the ship."
Clare added: "Finally, in late August 2016 she dragged once more however this time she wasn’t so lucky, she ended up on the rocks on Pulau Bumbon and although they tried she was an impossible salvage and remains tied onto trees on the beach keeping her mast out the water but sunk."
According to those who discovered her, the ex-trawler has been completely abandoned and is now too dangerous to enter.
Built for Derwent Trawlers, the Ross Jaguar was the third of the 12 “Cat” class trawlers following the construction of the Ross Tiger and the Ross Leopard.
Cochrane & Sons, of Selby, built these ships and the Ross Jaguar was launched on May 31, 1957, arriving in Grimsby in December of that year.
It was launched by Mrs R Haynes on May 3, 1957.
On December 10, 1957 she completed her speed and acceptance trials in the River Humber and docked at Grimsby.
On December 12, 1957 Ross Jaguar sailed her maiden voyage in the North Sea and the first fish catch was landed on December 21.
Cam Shipping bought the “cat” fleet from British United Trawlers for use as oil-rig supply ships.
Three months later the vessel was an oil-rig supply and standby ship and renamed Cam Jaguar.
And in 2005, new life was breathed into the old Grimsby fishing trawler when it was transformed into a luxury sailing ship.
It was designed to set sail for voyages to the world’s exotic ports before making a home base in New Zealand.
* * * * *
There seems to be a discrepancy of when she was converted into schooner, one source says 1992 and another in 2005, I think the purchase went ahead in 1992, planning started on paper and then works in 1994 and was completed by 1995. In 2005 she had possibly a refit, after all 10 years does things to a ship. There is also the comment from Ruud Peter about an owner called "Da Silva" in 2004, I think this could be incorrect info (user was banned (?)).
Ron Deveraux 31 Aug 2017
Credit: Rotary Club of Bendigo South (FB)
P.S. Looking a bit further it appears that Ron Deveraux has passed on in 2024 and was survived by his wife Helen (assuming it is not another couple with same names!). Not sure if Jaguar was sold before she ran aground, she still remained in Langkawi so it was possibly to another expat or did they just abandon her where she was? May they both still rest in peace.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Feel free to comment anything :)