Service Details
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Ben H. Larsen Vessel Wiper period 1955 to 1956,
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Percy Jordan Vessel Oiler period 1956 to 1957,
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Universe Leader Vessel Oiler period 1957 to 1959,
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Petroking Vessel 3rd Asst. Engineer period 1959 to 1963,
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Edward L Steiniger Vessel Oiler period 1963 to 1965,
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Ore Titan Vessel Oiler period 1965 to 1965,
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Ore Prince Vessel Oiler period 1966 to 1966,
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Petrokure/Gem Pet Vessel 3rd Asst. Engineer period 1966 to 1967,
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Bulkpetrol Vessel 3rd Asst. Engineer period 1967 to 1968,
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Corco Vessel Oiler period 1968 to 1969,
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Universe Ireland Vessel 3rd Asst. Engineer period 1969 to 1970,
Bio
Introduction:
I nominate the above person for the above nominated category as per attached and The Southwell Years pg. #119.
Mr. Lewis Robert Berry is one of the few seamen that have his ship records recorded in the Southwell
Years (pg. 119). Below are a few of his accounts of being exposed to harrowing experiences while at sea
and still continued to work at sea for years later, hence I am nominating him for the Pioneer category.
Leaving Venezuela on the Edward L. Steiniger headed to Marcus Hook, Philidelphia the ship was
out with 2 Hurricanes, one on the Port side and the other on the Starbout. Near Cape Hatteras
they caught in Hurricane Gladys (1964) and about 9p.m. a fire alarm went off and an A.B. came
down yelling ‘Man Overboard’ – Osmond McLaughlin (A.B.), (Lost at Sea). Mr. McLaughlin, was
sent to get the other A.B.’s to help batten down the gangway as it was being destroyed. The life
boat and gangway were all swept overboard. Nearest Port was Puerto Rico and due to
Hurricanes approaching they were closed with nothing they could do.
Aboard the Petro King following the Petro Queen in a storm we could see their Mass Head Light,
we awaken the next morning to a message of Man Overboard – Mr. Norman Wood (Lost at
Sea).
On our way from Holland to Northword, Virginia on the Ben H Larrison – Hopkin Watler (Lost at
Sea) was going down to clean the hatch and missed his step and fell to his death. Ashton Smith
was the Preacher for the onboard service. Only after his body had been buried at sea did they
receive a telegram asking to bring him home but it was too late.
In Cape Town, South Africa while docked, 7 african men went up to sandblast and paint the ship
and the lock on the basket broke and all 7 lost their lives. He remembers the screams and cries
of all the other Africans on the dock.
On the Kirkco El Tigre, in Puerto Rico, I saved Mr. Louis Marsden Ebanks life, during docking the
3rd Officer let the boilers catch fire and as Mr. Ebanks bedroom was above the engine room I
ran to wake him and get him out of there. (Hero)
On the Universe Ireland, going from Bantry Bay, Persian Gulf to Ireland, we became stranded at
sea for 4 days with engine trouble before help could get to us.
