Title:TUDOR PRINCE SALVAGE, MALTA, 1974 [Allocated Title]
Film Number:ADM 2834
Other titles:COLLECTION OF SALVAGE FILMS AND PROJECTION PRINTS [Allocated Series Title]
Summary: Salvage operations on the Tudor Prince, a merchant vessel which grounded and tilted onto its side in Grand Harbour, Malta, in 1974.
Description: (Reel 1, B&W) Tudor Prince lies on her side, with salvage vessels nearby Inspections are made. The Wild Duck Class salvage vessel RMAS Garganey comes alongside accompanied by MV Angel. Cables are prepared ready for a lift. The floating crane Hercules V approaches as people watch from the shore. Brief night shot as preparations continue and the winch begins. The following day, the winching continues, with the salvage vessels in their allotted positions: the ship begins to become upright. Later shots of Tudor Prince in dock, the previously-submerged side is covered with mud and other debris. (29 mins)
(Reel 2, B&W) Further shots of the preparation for the salvage, with views of Tudor Prince and RMAS Garganey. On board Garganey, cables are prepared. Twin floats are applied to the end of a broad submerged hose which is being used to pump water from the vessel; water streams out of the end as a frogman watches nearby. High angle shot showing Tudor Prince and Garganey, with activity on the deck of the latter. Tudor Prince is still on her side; a crane looms over her. Tudor Prince's bow, with Grand Harbour behind; her mast almost touches the quayside. Cables are attached to her side. Further deck views on board Garganey (notice cameraman's shadow). Barge alongside (possibly part of Hercules V). View from the Garganey across the quayside, where cars are parked. Tudor Prince as seen from the water side. Further preparations and views of the ship (the lift itself is not shown). Image quality on this reel is quiet sharp. (20 mins)
(Reel 3, colour) Short colour reel, very poor quality, focusing on scenes at night, when the lift has commenced; the low light levels make definition difficult. Views of Tudor Prince the following day, after being raised upright and towed to dock (badly graded). Final shot is another night scene, before the raise. (4 mins)
Alternative Title:COLLECTION OF SALVAGE FILMS AND PROJECTION PRINTS [Allocated Series Title]