I think it was late september 1961 John.

23rd September 1961. She was struck side on by the much larger oil tanker British Aviator. You'll find details and more photos of this tragic event on several pages, including the 'Meeching Tug - Potted History'. - Andy, Editor

Yes, and it also shows quite a number of members of the public when they were allowed to walk along their breakwater - and when it was maintained and safe to do so.

Yes it was September 1961. My father , Alistair ("Alec"), who was 27 at the time was on the Crystal Jewel but off-watch. It was never discussed in our family so a few years ago I requested a report from the Southampton Maritime Services people who kindly posted the report to me. It was a relief to see that my father was NOT mentioned. Marcus

I was a member of the crew of the Tug MEECHING at the time of the incident. I believe I may be the last surviving member of the crew from the era. The saddest part of the story of the incident was the fact that the Crystal Jewel's Captain had his daughter on board at the time and she was in the cabin. Sadly she died in the wreckage of the midships section that took the brunt of the damage in the collision which took place off Beachy Head in thick fog. My brother had the unsavoury task of recovering her from the twisted mess of the midship section. If Marcus wishes to make contact with me I'd love to swap notes with him on the tragedy and the aftermath.

I was on-board the Crystal Jewel at the time of the collision as a very young Galley Boy! It is now lovely after all these years through the wonders of the internet to be able to see pictures of the Crystal Jewel - would love to hear from anyone who was on-board the Ship the same time as me.