A Passage to Singapore
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In the summer of 1964, my newlywed wife and I embarked on a remarkable sea voyage aboard the M/V Ferncliff, a Norwegian diesel-powered cargo ship with a storied history. Built in 1955, the vessel exuded a sense of rugged charm, featuring comfortable and spacious cabins on the upper deck, providing a home away from home for a maximum of 12 passengers. Our maritime adventure began in the bustling port of Los Angeles, setting sail on a journey that would take us across the vast Pacific Ocean to the enchanting shores of Singapore. The route included captivating stops in Manila, Hong Kong, and Bangkok, each city leaving an indelible mark on our memories.
The eclectic mix of passengers on board added a unique dimension to our sea-bound escapade. A pair of American missionaries, bound for The Philippines, shared their tales of faith and service during the long days at sea. In Manila, we welcomed another intriguing duo—a husband and wife who dazzled with their magical performances and were en route to Bangkok to share their talents. As the Ferncliff cut through the Pacific waves, we encountered the unpredictability of the open sea. A malfunction in the ship’s engines created a brief moment of suspense, emphasizing the vulnerability of our vessel in the vastness of the ocean. However, the skilled crew swiftly addressed the issue, restoring our confidence in the sturdy Norwegian cargo ship. Hong Kong greeted us with unexpected intensity as a typhoon struck while we were anchored in the harbour. The swirling winds and torrential rain painted a dramatic picture against the city’s skyline. The ship’s crew adeptly navigated the challenges, providing us with a firsthand experience of the raw power of nature at sea.
Nights on the Ferncliff were a spectacle of lights, with distant vessel passing in the darkness. The rhythmic sound of waves against the ship’s hull accompanied our reflections on the vastness of the ocean and the shared camaraderie among the passengers. The voyage was not merely a means of transportation; it was a canvas painted with unique and unexpected moments. Upon reaching the vibrant city-state of Singapore, our sea adventure concluded, and we transitioned to the swift luxury of a BOAC COMET jetliner. The flight, which included a stopover in Darwin, took us from the maritime serenity of the Ferncliff to the modern skies, offering a breathtaking perspective of the journey we had undertaken.
As we touched down in Sydney, the memories of our sea voyage lingered — a tapestry woven with the threads of diverse companions, dramatic challenges, and the boundless beauty of the open ocean. The M/V Ferncliff had been more than a mode of transport; it was the vessel that carried us through a transformative chapter in our lives, marking the beginning of our journey as a married couple.