One of the more poignant events in offshore radio history occurred on 15th September 1985 - the scattering of the ashes of a lifelong Radio Caroline supporter from the deck of the Ross Revenge.
Ian West, who had supported the station for many years died just before Christmas 1984, ironically shortly before he was due to join Radio Caroline's crew as an engineer. His family arranged with the station for a ceremony to take place on board the Ross Revenge during which Caroline DJ/Engineer Mike Barrington, a personal friend of Ian, said a few words before scattering the ashes on to the sea. Some flowers were then thrown into the sea and Radio Caroline observed a minutes silence in Ian's memory.
A ship's bell was presented to the crew of the Ross Revenge by Ian's family who had travelled out to the radio ship. The bell was simply inscribed "In loving memory of Ian West 1960-1984".
The DTI surveillance vessel Dioptric Surveyor, in the area at the time, was informed about what was happening and did not attempt to prevent Ian's family boarding the Ross Revenge or interfere with the ceremony on board the radio ship.
HOLD Noun - cavity in a ship below deck where cargo is stowed. Also the area used to house transmitters on many radio ships.
