Radio Laser Anchored In Harwich Harbour

Investigations after pirate radio ship docks in Harwich for repairs.

Floating off Harwich, Essex, the Radio Laser ship M.V. Communicator receives visits from Essex Police. They are questioning the captain, crew and DJs along with customs and immigration officers and investigators from the Department of Trade and Industry. The official reason for the ship to come into harbour is generator breakdown, but there appear to be other concerns. John Catlett, the American manager of Radio Laser stands inside a red telephone box making a call. Interviewed by Anglia TV reporter Marcus Powell, Mr Catlett says he visited the ship last night and there is no mutiny or disease as reported, but seaworthiness is an issue. He has not been denied access and can’t respond to a question about crew and DJs demanding payment. Reporters approach the ship in a small boat, and call to those on board. Four British crew members come to the side of the ship and answer questions while the police are busy taking away the US DJs who will face deportation. The men are slightly guarded in their answers as they face prosecution. They respond when asked “Can you tell us what’s going on aboard?”, “What about conditions and morale aboard?” and questions about pay, which does appear to be an issue. One man throws a letter to tell his daughter in Kent that he’s OK – this is retrieved from the water by the reporters. It appears that Radio Laser faces unpaid debt and a possible salvage claim. This video was made to be shown in a news story on Anglia Television early evening news / magazine programme About Anglia.

Keywords

Pirate radio; Radio broadcasting; Radio ships

Additional Description

The Anglia TV data mentions Patrick Paternoster, Captain of the Radio Laser ship and he may be one of the men seen on deck.

https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/80s/1985/M&M-1985-11-18.pdf

See Offshore Radio Museum for subsequent history of the ship http://www.offshoreradiomuseum.co.uk/