The highly experienced and now-retired Captain Stathis Avgerinos, who grew up on Meganisi, Lefkada, speaks on “Fair Winds and Following Seas” on Voice of Greece. He reminds us once again that his first dream had been to become a pilot, but for many different reasons he ultimately joined the Merchant Navy—something he has never regretted. He fondly recalls the many beautiful ports he visited with his ships and crews along the eastern seaboard of the United States, from New York, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Florida all the way to Mexico, Honduras, and Chile.
“On 17 October 1965, aboard the M/V MARLIN, in the very dangerous and well-known ‘Bermuda Triangle,’ we were carrying fertilizer from New Orleans to Canada when we ran into extremely bad weather. The cargo shifted and, in the end, the ship sank. Fortunately, all of us who survived were rescued by a British vessel,” Captain Stathis recounts in his vivid, unmistakable way.
And about Voice of Greece, he adds:
“We used to listen to Voice of Greece all the time. On the ships we had excellent radio officers who always made sure we could tune in. The program was great comfort and precious company, keeping us close to home. At anchor off Libya or in Osaka, Japan—where 100 to 150 Greek ships were often waiting their turn to enter the port—we listened to the news from Greece, sports, and the songs of Kazantzidis, Bellou, Vamvakaris, and many others.”
TO BE CONTINUED…
Produced and presented by Antonis Karagiannakis