What a shocker! Four in ten people lack a ‘basic understanding’ of how tides work, reveals new survey.
I have often spoken about sea blindness, both in my professional and personal life. By that I mean that most people have little idea, or concept, of what actually goes on at sea, the accidents and incidents that occur and the inherent dangers of the water. So, with that in mind, perhaps the findings of this research, which was commissioned through Bangor University’s Impact and Innovation Fund, do not surprise me, shocking though they are.
The study surveyed 1,368 participants across the UK and Ireland. It revealed that approximately 15 per cent of respondents report having been cut off, or nearly cut off, by the tide at some point in their lives. The study’s authors highlight that a notable proportion of these incidents involved individuals who had not intended to be in, or near the water in the first place.
The survey highlights that 60 per cent of those affected by tidal cut-off were surprised by how quickly the water moved, indicating a general underestimation of tidal speed. Further findings show that 40 per cent of people surveyed lack a basic understanding of tides, and only 50 per cent check tide times before visiting the beach. And only 24 per cent of participants demonstrated the ability to accurately read and interpret a tide timetable.
Perhaps this is something that schools should be encouraged to teach students about from a young age.
Indian Register of Shipping sets Indian record for largest corporate flag made on cloth
For some reason, this story just amused me. At a time when the world is in something of a crisis, it just appealed to my sense of humour and is a harmless, light-hearted, non-controversial happening!
I read that on the occasion of its 50th Foundation Day on 4th April 2025, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) achieved a remarkable milestone by setting an Indian record for the ‘Largest corporate flag made on cloth’, as recognised by the India Book of Records. The massive flag, measuring 60 feet by 40 feet, was unfurled within the IRS Head Office premises. Adorned with the organisation’s logo, emblem, and corporate colours, the flag stands as a bold and symbolic representation of IRS’s legacy, values, and continued commitment to excellence in the maritime industry.
The record was officially witnessed by an adjudicator from the India Book of Records who was on hand. The adjudicator presented a certificate after the flag was unfurled. The event marked a proud moment for the entire IRS fraternity and reinforced the organisation’s spirit of innovation, unity, and national pride on its Golden Jubilee.
South Korean investigators cite stability and steering issues in Sewol ferry tragedy
This was such a distressing story, and I clearly remember it happening. The fact that new information is still coming to light so long after the event can be of little comfort to those who lost loved ones in this tragic accident.
I read that more than a decade on, South Korean Government accident investigators have determined that a number of structural issues contributed to the loss of the Ro-Pax ferry Sewol and over 300 of its passengers on 16 April 2014. I find it extraordinary that an investigation can last for so many years. I only hope that finally this brings some closure for the people who lost loved ones. It was a shocking incident that rocked the marine world.
According to the Korea Maritime Safety Tribunal in a statement released on 14 April 2025, poor stability and a steering system malfunction were revealed as causes for the loss during a special investigative panel that was concluded in November 2024.
The panel members ruled out the possibility that the capsizing and sinking of Sewol was caused by a collision or any other external factor, as there had been “no credible evidence” to suggest that such an event occurred on the said date. The ferry had made an abrupt turn, which the panel members said was caused by the steering system malfunction and not by any action on the part of the helm operator. Although not identified as the sole cause, the abrupt turn has been determined to be a significant factor in the incident.
An investigation conducted in 2018 showed that a solenoid valve in one of the steering gear pumps had become stuck, resulting in the malfunction. The panel also determined that Sewol underwent extensive structural modifications to enable it to accommodate additional passengers. This then resulted in the ferry’s centre of gravity being raised. With a higher centre of gravity, the vessel suffered from decreased stability, which meant it could not carry as much cargo as it did before the modifications were made. Investigators added that the onboard cargo at the time of the incident had not been properly secured, and the abrupt turn caused the cargo to shift. The ferry then tilted heavily to one side, causing flooding and the eventual capsize.
Let’s hope that lessons have been learned from this most devastating of marine accidents.
Floating museum featured on prime-time television
Let’s end this month on a rather happier note with a couple of heartwarming stories. The ingenuity and invention of people who choose to devote their spare time to restoring heritage vessels is something that I find deeply fascinating, and I am always happy to share such endeavours with readers. And here is another fine example about the Humber Keel and Sloop Preservation Society’s (HKSPS) ongoing work on Comrade. It was featured in a recent episode of the BBC’s flagship Sunday teatime programme Countryfile.
Members of the society told presenter Anita Rani that before the advent of rail and road, waterways like the Humber estuary were the only way to trade and transport goods. At the turn of the 19th century, hundreds of ships, including Comrade, used the estuary to access waterways and canals through Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. The keel’s design made Comrade perfect for navigating the canals and locks of the area’s industrial towns to bring them imported goods and return with coal, and crews would be away for three or four days at a time. Today, the HKSPS is working to restore it into a floating museum.
Society chairman Dave Parker told the programme: “The history of these ships goes back centuries. When Hull was developed and big ships started coming in, they needed smaller ships to take their cargoes into the places which wanted them and where they couldn’t go. Eventually, mills were built inland and away from the water and unfortunately, by 1973 Comrade was obsolete.”
Built in 1923 at Warren’s Shipyard in New Holland, North Lincolnshire, for Turner Carmichael of Hull, Comrade was originally named Wanda and with a hold capable of carrying up to 100 tons of cargo, it initially traded in barley and coal between Wakefield and Hull. It was acquired by the HKSPS in December 1974. Since then, thousands of man-hours have been spent on restoring, maintaining and crewing it by a comparatively small group of dedicated volunteers.
National Historic Ships UK announces Flagships of the Year 2025
Continuing with the theme of heritage vessels, here’s another story. I have learned that National Historic Ships UK (NHS-UK) has appointed four historic vessels from around the country to act as its Flagships of the Year for 2025 and ‘fly the flag’ for maritime heritage.
The 2025 Flagships are:
Barnabas – 1881 Cornish fishing vessel, now teaching the unique skills of sailing and preserving traditional boats to the local community
Sir Walter Scott – Victorian passenger steamship celebrating 125 years of steaming on Loch Katrine in the Scottish Highlands
Llanthony – 1930s Gentleman’s Motor Yacht which saved 280 lives at Dunkirk and recently completed an award-winning restoration
Dane – 1947 Narrowboat which carried cargo in the Potteries and is now a vital part of the educational offering at the Middleport Pottery heritage site
The 2025 Flagships will receive a special broad pennant to fly at the masthead and a brass plaque for their vessel. Each Flagship will hold a flag-hoisting ceremony to celebrate its new status.
I’ll be back next month.
Mike Schwarz