Farewell to Bank Line

06/11/09

The end of an era on the Mahinabank (Speybank) 
 Today the 02nd November 2009,the last Vessel of the "Bank Line tradition" will bid farewell as it runs up the beach at Chittagong. To my knowledge,there has been no message promulgated to mark the occasion, either to the vessels crews or the associated organisations involved, so at this time I would like to thank, on behalf of myself and crew, those individuals and friends, who have assisted and taken part, with our round the world voyages over the many years.

These thanks to include Agents, Stevedores, Pilots, Andrew Weir Shipping personnel, Swire Shipping personnel, passengers and last but not least the Bibby Crewing agency and its affiliated agencies in Russia, Ukraine and the Philippines.

There are no words to describe exactly the feelings and sentiments passing through myself and individual Crew members, as we approach the beach and the loss of a friend who has seen us through so many different scenarios and has always seen us home safely, although somewhat tired.

Against all our instincts and training, we will take the unusual steps of deliberately heading for the shore, land her, then immediately leave, to allow the dismantling to begin. A lump of steel machinery to most, but to a small minority, a home from home and a family friend, with lots of memories both good and bad and as you are aware some of which, have been a nightmare. 

Farewell to this old lady (true to the end) and the other three sisters which have beached over the past few months quietly and without comment, they will live on for many a year in our memories and thoughts. 

Now may they rest in peace, with our fondest regards.

K.W.Mulholland, Master, Mahinabank