The Original Sea Diamond Hunters!

Started by Michael Alexander, June 12, 2008, 03:45:06 PM

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Michael Alexander

June 12, 2008, 03:45:06 PM
Way before DeBeers MArine were doing their thing of taking diamonds from the ocean..... these boats were the pioneers in this method of diamond extraction.....
OPS 1976-1982 : CBC 1982-1988

Michael Alexander

#1
June 12, 2008, 03:47:07 PM
and....the resulting product...., about 5000 carats in this photograph!
OPS 1976-1982 : CBC 1982-1988

Malcolm Bertoni

#2
June 13, 2008, 12:25:06 AM
Marine Diamond Corporation or MDC as it became known mined off the SWA coast in the 60s.  The company was owned by Sam Coliins, an American.  They used converted barges for the mining operations. The first was Barge 77 which was was wrecked north of Chameis. Here is a photo. Some people think it was the Pomona but I dont think she was ever wrecked.

Other barges at the time included Diamantkus, Barge III and Colpontoon. The Rockeater was one of the tugs.

Perhaps there might be others that can remember all the details.

Tamara Hogan

#3
June 13, 2008, 04:49:00 AM
 :auguri1:
Hi Malcom
Thought that was you. Funny that we live in the same town, but bump into each other on an O'mund site.
Tam

Michael Alexander

#4
June 13, 2008, 06:05:40 AM
Malcom, thanks for the snap.... I think it looks like the Pomona, the shape is similar..... I will phone Jim Murray today...he will know.....

Hey Do the Hogans and Malcolm actually know each other? that would be rich....
OPS 1976-1982 : CBC 1982-1988

Tamara Hogan

#5
June 13, 2008, 08:41:47 AM
Quote from: Michael Alexander on June 13, 2008, 06:05:40 AM

Hey Do the Hogans and Malcolm actually know each other? that would be rich....
3_8_14

Hi Michael- Yes Malcolm taught me Info systems at Uni Tas.

Michael Alexander

#6
June 13, 2008, 09:02:06 AM
Wow... that is indeed a case of a small world..... on an island nogal!
OPS 1976-1982 : CBC 1982-1988

Tamara Hogan

#7
June 13, 2008, 09:07:22 AM


iknow

How cool!

Malcolm Bertoni

#8
June 13, 2008, 02:45:02 PM
Just goes to show you, hey.  Will have to be careful what I say from now on......

Australia is a small place actually you know.



Malcolm Bertoni

#9
June 13, 2008, 02:48:07 PM
By the way Tamara, I'm now in Hobart and the postgraduate coordinator - Launceston got too small for me.

Michael Alexander

#10
June 14, 2008, 11:18:41 AM
Here's a snap of the Pomona in Table Bay harbour in 1972, getting ready to leave for the Sperrgebiedt
OPS 1976-1982 : CBC 1982-1988

Tamara Hogan

#11
June 14, 2008, 12:29:18 PM
What a cool pic Micheal- its a great history lesson!

@ Malcom, I know what you mean, sometimes feels smaller then Oranjemund! LOL.
Going to Capetown in August to show off my Husband and son. I can not wait.

Michael Alexander

#12
June 14, 2008, 03:53:27 PM
@Tamara , it's a pity it was not November, otherwise you could have popped up for the reunion ......   allgood
OPS 1976-1982 : CBC 1982-1988

Tamara Hogan

#13
June 15, 2008, 03:59:40 AM
 notfair

I was thinking the same thing, not sure anyone i hung out with , would be going anyway.

goofy

#14
June 15, 2008, 07:33:04 AM
Hi All
My dad was on the Pomona for many years he was the radio operator we still lived in Cape Town then the turnaround time was 3 weeks on and 2 off. Uncle Jock carr was the diver on the ship for many years.
They used the skymaster which was then sold to Namib Air for 2 cents on condition that it would be available for the school run
Malcolm
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