1946 Eight Issues of the Illustrated Shipboard Published Newsletter "Seaweed" of the S.S. Fairmont Victory
S.S. Fairmont Victory: S.S. Fairmont Victory, 1946. First Edition. Soft Cover. Good. Item #027604
Eight issues + four doubles of this U.S. Merchant Marine shipboard published news - sheet, issues from February 12 to Feb. 20 1946 inclusive; with humorous black and white line-drawn illustrations & vignettes. A February 12 article reports "Japs Adrift 39 Days An unscheduled thrill for the passengers aboard the SS Fairmont Victory was experienced late yesterday afternoon in the rescue of five Japanese adrift in the fishing smack "Nishin Maru"...The survivors, Sasaki Suizo, Captain of the boat; Sasaki Sutetaro, brother of the Captain; Endo Toshio, Miura Fumio, and Akya Kaniitsu, were living on their boat in Hakodate harbor on Hokkaido. On the night of Jan. 6th, a strong wind caused their mooring lines to break and they were set adrift. (They had drifted approximately 1000 miles when picked up.) Their small supply of canned fish and fresh water was exhausted on the 21st. They were unable to catch fresh fish and only a small amount of rain water during the past 20 days. The tried desperately to repair the small gasoline engine, but gave up all hope when it exploded, painfully burning the left arm, hand and eye of Sasaki Sutotaro...The five men were jubilant at being rescued by an American ship, and are very appreciative for all that is being done for them..." Articles on the distance of ship travels, news of the Seattle - Pacific Northwest earthquake; criticism of shipboard cuisine; anecdotes and various sightings and mishaps on the ship. The Fairmont was enroute from Yokohama to Seattle, Capt. H.C. Gibbs; many of the officers & crew are named in the articles. Most of the issues are 2 pages, front and back; two of the issues are 4 pages. Approx. 8" x 13" size; plain paper. Some edge, tips wear; old fold-lines, darkened; one issue with split along fold; in good condition.
Price: $65.00