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ELBE LOTSEN

The Elbe Pilot Station vessel and its Pilot cutter

This morning we learned through the maritime Blog GCaptain of the death of an Elbe Pilotage Service, Germany Pilot as the result of a fall.  There is often tension between Pilots, Masters and Officers of vessels and they are sometimes regarded as "prima donnas".  However in our heart of hearts we know that they are fine seamen with extraordinary knowledge of their Ports.  They step aboard vessels often completely strange and unknown to them to bring them safely into the berth assigned at their Port.  Surprisingly there are very few accidents and even fewer deaths as a result of a dangerous profession. CAPT. Rudi Pape sadly was one who died while under medical care as a result of his fall. 


NAUTICAL LOG would like to express our sincere condolences to his family and his fellow Pilots of the Elbe Pilotage Service.  We remember their skill on the many occasions over the years when calling at their Ports.


Good Watch.

A brief reminder that 300 of our fellow seafarers are held hostage by pirates off Puntland, Somalia.

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