Gadji Bay (New-Caledonia), June 5th 1994.
MELANESIA / FRA / 1955 / 357 gt / IMO 5394315
Launched as JUDITH MARY, 1957– SLEVIK, 1960– YALATA, 1977– GLENELG (Pan)
1980- Under arrest in Australia, she escaped during a dark night. She proceeded to Vanuatu which was in trouble at this time. There, she is suspected of arms smuggling, and seized again. Anchored under arrest in Port-Vila Bay, she went aground on Ifira Island during hurricane. Refloated, she is used as floating storage.
12/1981- She escaped with her Captain from Port-Vila.
28/12/1981- She is reported aground on Pott Island, one of Belep Islands, North of New-Caledonia. A small team worked during one year on the coral barrier to refloat the ship.
29/12/1982 – She is refloated and towed to Nouméa
1983 – The coaster is too much damaged and then laid up at Nouméa for five years. Then renamed MELANESIA (Noumea).
12/1987- In order to clear her berth, she is towed and anchored without crew in Gadji Bay near Nouméa.
13/01/1988 - During hurricane 'Anne', she dragged her anchors and went aground.
This was the end of a tumultuous live.