BOSCHFONTEIN IN LINDI TANZANIA

FAREWELL PARTY M.V. BOSCHFONTEIN LINDI TANZANIA, EAST AFRICA

Reading the article on the "FONTEIN" ships in the VNS website I was reminded of the last voyage of the Boschfontein when she was calling at all the E.A. ports to say farewell. I was in my early twenties, very new to the game and a bit green. I had handled the "Tayari" regularly and the odd R.I.L. ships but never a large passenger vessel. I was therefore somewhat dismayed when a telegram came in from Mombasa (no telex or fax in those days )  about the "Boschfontein's " call., "Authorise cocktail party 200 guests" . Not having ever arranged or attended a ship board party except for Gassi's boozy luncheons, I was a bit nervous about the whole thing. I really was green in those days.

Anyway I had invitation cards printed "The Master of the m.v. "Boschfontein" requests the pleasure of ........ etc etc and sent them out to importers/exporters, bank managers, Government wallas D.C. and D.O's  , Harbour Master and  Port officials.

When the old lady pitched up smack on her ETA, I was sitting in my launch with the VNS  flag fluttering astern. I had an ensign staff made and always flew the House flag when  attending a ship. I was a bit overawed as she steamed in with her Maier bow  and dropped the hook. I had quite a fair tonnage for her, mainly sisal and bagged produce, all ship ready under load in lighters, and the loading commenced pretty soon thereafter.

When I got back ashore there was a lady waiting in the office who had travelled on the "Boschfontein", knew there was a ladies' hairdresser on board, and wondered if she could
have her hair done. I said I'd clear it with the ship and let her know. On my next visit to the ship I mentioned this to the Captain who said any lady would be welcome to come onboard for their hair to be done. Well needless to say as there was no hairdresser in Lindi the news spread like wildfire and I think I had the whole European female population of Lindi in my office clamouring to get out to the ship.  The ship's business, preparing manifests, bills of lading etc etc paled into insignificance as I had to make appointments to coincide with  the  shuttle service twixt shore and ship that I had arranged.  The whole operation took on mammoth proportions, - loading a few hundred tons of cargo was as nothing compared. The matrons of Lindi nearly drove me demented.  Mrs. So-and-so had an appointment but could she change it as she wanted go out to the ship with her friend Mrs. Flaniflani who had an earlier appointment, was a frequent request.

Then came the sundowner on board with launches arranged from the stevedores, The Landing & Shipping Company, Harbour Master to take the guests out to the ship . What a spread the ship put on, beautifully done, and there were many Oohs and Aahs from the guests as they tucked into the food. After a few hours the Captain took me aside and said he was getting a bit concerned as the drinks bill was soaring.(The good burghers of Lindi really knew how to knock it back !!)  He said the guests were welcome to stay but they would have to pay. I said I would pass the word around and they were very happy to stay and pay ! Well especially at duty free prices.

I thought  as I was the agent I should keep off the booze and only had one glass of Amstel and drank ginger ale the rest of the night . When stone cold sober the antics of a bunch of drunks is not quite so amusing. Slowly the guests departed until there was just the hard core left . I kept saying "last launch, all ashore" but to little avail. Finally, becoming a little tetchy I virtually ordered them off the ship.

There were about seven males and one female, and I was really concerned about getting them down the steep gangway, especially the  very inebriated female who teetered about unsteadily on high heels.  I went down the gangway backwards ahead of her in case she fell, holding her arm in a firm grip while her nails digging into my palm nearly drew blood.!!  It seemed to take an age step by step and I was very relieved when I got her safely into the launch. The rest of the drunks followed without mishap.

I wonder what the ship thought of the Lindi residents as the launch left the ship and  disappeared into the night, the sounds of raucous laughter and the strains of "Good Night Irene " sung out of tune wafting over the harbour.  On reaching the jetty I was helping the drunk lady from the launch to the jetty when there was a loud splash. The Standard Bank Manager had fallen overboard!!! 

I was about to dive into the water to fish him out when his head appeared near the jetty and I gave him my hand and yanked him out. The bank manager was last seen soaked to the skin, hair plastered over his forehead and  his suit shrinking visibly as he staggered singing merrily to his car.

Despite my earlier apprehension over handling a passenger ship for the first time , everything had gone swimmingly (bank manager included). There had been no hitches and for a few days I could hardly buy a drink in the Lindi Club as people came up to me with "super party" or "wonderful party  on the Bosch", and thrust a drink into my hand.  Best of all the  Lindi ladies considered me a 'star' !!   And so ended the  farewell call of the old "Boschfontein"

Kwaheri na masalaama,

By J.G. Johnston

Donated by Anton Jansen 29 Jan. 05