Great picture

One of the very best (in all its horror) pictures on this fantastic site.
Tomas

WOW. That is all I can say.

Wonderful story behind everything explaining this dramatic and historical shot.

Thanks for the info Chris. Much appreciated.

Bregds,
tvtech

It shows the importance of all those ''emergency steering breakdown drills'' that were carried out

Fantastic photo!! Undoubtedly a tribute to the quality of seamanship rarely evident today. (With some exceptions.)

Yes, she did. The fire was extensive (as shown in the photo). It had begun in the former smoking room in the early hours of the morning when the ship was sailing through a Force 8 gale. The wind fed the fire and the bridge and wheel house, wireless room, chart room as well as some of the accommodation were totally destroyed. The fire raged through the ship for over 6 hours before being fully extinguished. It had been so severe that practically the whole of the superstructure, from the bridge front to a distance of about 70 feet aft was gutted. As the ship was 1,600 miles from any assistance the Master decided to head for Wellington, using a chart and a compass from one of the lifeboats. Gothic was steered manually from the emergency steering position aft. The ship was all-but isolated from the rest of the world but for an emergency set that had been saved from the radio room by the Radio Officer. Three days passed before Gothic's faint radio message was picked up in New Zealand and a further day passed before Gothic was sighted by a RNZAF plane. Having been in mid-Pacific, so very far from any assistance her crew had no alternative to sail her in a fire-damaged condition. Nevertheless, that along with what they had to endure during the storm and fighting the fire showed great courage and exemplary seamanship.
Gothic arrived back in Wellington on 6 August. Temporary repairs were made to enable the ship to return to the UK. She made one further voyage before being scrapped.

Sailed with fire damage?

My picture of the year!

She is seen on her way to Wellington having left Bluff some days earlier for Panama. The Captain is navigating by a lifeboat compass. Photo taken from RNZAF Orion.

Sadly an officer and his family died in this fire.

She made a further trip to Australasia before being sold for scrap.

Several years ago I found a souvenir book on this Royal tour and a good round of illustrations of Gothic, in regal white livery for event. I assume the Queen sent her deep regrets for this tragic event of later years! mrdot.

Marvelous photography and restoration Gordy. Again! I note the change of hull colour from the shots by Chris.

One of the most dramatic photos this year.Could be listed also as "storm photos".
Anyone has pics of the fire on this ship? can you comply Gordy?

Even worse for the guys on the bridge Mr Dot, check out the fire damage, 7 died in it. sheesh!

Wow, a bit of a rocky start to breakfast! another great post! mrdot.