John
S. Platt reporting about RNI in 1999
John
S. Platt reporting about RNI in 1999
Updated Friday September 10th 1999
e-mail: xpz67@btinternet.com
| Important announcement (Well, to me anyway)Before starting my last report on the RNI RSL, I wish to clear up a point regarding Radio Veronica. I have been reported in a Dutch national newspaper of making a comment about Veronica not being a proper radio station because she operates from a hotel and therefore does not qualify as an offshore station. |  The MEBO III leaves her shadow on the water
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 Alan West, Ray Anderson and the reporters from the Dutch newspaper
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I know very little about the
Veronica operation and NEVER made any statement of any kind of that nature. I apologise
for Peter van de Bergs inaccurate reporting. I did make a comment about Radio Caroline being on the end of Southend pier and that they did not count as an offshore station but it was only said as a joke. I thought the British newspapers were bad enough but... I wish Radio Veronica the very best of times during her transmissions.
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| I left the MEBO III during the second week of broadcasting to go to France with my family to watch the eclipse; it was a magical experience. |  A busy day at the MEBO III
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 Dick Palmer talking to his only fan
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I did not intend to return to the ship but before leaving her Dick Palmer said to me "you'll be back, it gets into your blood". I did not believe him but ten days later, as he had predicted withdrawal systems set in and I asked to go back. |
| During my absence, the old ship had had an exciting time. Various DJ's had come and gone but many of the same faces appeared out of the woodwork. |  Am I not looking handsome or what?
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 General shot of the MEBO III
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The coast had suffered several electrical storms during my time off the ship and the old girl had been struck by lightening twice. Both times the transmitter suffered damage and hasty repairs with a soldering iron were required. |
| On Tuesday 24th, the weather was quite rough with a force 7 North-easterly wind, the worst direction for a blow to effect the ship. About midday, the signal cut out; the antenna array had detached itself from the rear tower and fallen on to the deck. |  The RAF Red Arrows salute RNI (well not really)
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 Another view of the ship
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A temporary antenna was erected between the front mast and the lantern tower, however we could only broadcast on low power. The antenna was not very efficient and in the evening, RNI was only audible along the coast, so it was decided to close down. A new antenna was erected the following day and normal service was resumed. |
| In addition, due to bad weather, the food supplies began to run low at the beginning of the last week, so in the true spirit of offshore radio we had some very strange meals. We also dropped messages in bottles over the side requesting immediate Chinese takeaway meals. |  Stuart Dobson and Dick Palmer in the galley
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