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the Japanese flagged "Aizu Maru" is entering the second chamber of the west-side of the Miraflores locks, northbound. she's already been raised the first 27'..we're entering the first chamber, still at sea level. |
the Aizu Maru, on the left, has completed the second 27 foot lift, and is on the way to Pedro Miguel...we're about half-way up. note the mules on either side, their cables tight to hold us in the center of the chamber. |
this is a good view of the changes in water levels from lock to lock...Gatun locks... Nov '69... shot from the bridge of the Pioneer Contractor |
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various ships at anchor in Gatun lake, waiting to transit the Gatun locks. Nov. '69 (This photo is full size) |
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| ships large and small begin the three-lock, 85 foot drop to the Atlantic ocean. in the fore- ground, note the arrow directing our ship into the lock on the right | looking back from the bridge of the pioneer contractor...we're now 54' above sea level. to put the size of the locks into perspective...note the man walking across the gates... | the Japanese flagged bulk-carrier Matsu Maru transits the canal near the Galliard cut. this is a very wide ship... note the canvas covered scaffolds on each side of the bow... these were for pilots that were added on ships with very wide beams |
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these guys took the mule cables out to the ships...this shot, because of its high contrast and snappy color appeared many times as an SCN TV ID |
the red and white flag flying from the mast of the SS Pioneer Contractor indicates that a pan canal pilot is aboard. The pilots use their local knowledge of tides, currents, depths and winds to guide ships through the canal... they can even board and debark while the ship is underway. | the flag of the Pioneer Contractor...this shot appeared as a station ID quite often...especially on holidays like July 4th and Memorial day |
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Leaving the SS Pioneer Contractor by pilot boat... note the open door in the hull at the left...and the rope ladder. We debarked as the pilots do...climbing down the ladder, and stepping on to the moving launch, while the ship is underway |
Dec 70 a ship had struck the embankment while passing through the cut. it was taking on water, and going down fast. the pilot had said to zig...the helmsman zagged, and that was it. fortunately, because this was near Pedro Miguel, a tug was able to get to the ship, push it over against the bank, and hold it there--preventing the complete blockage of the canal. | the sunken ship can be seen where it came to rest...to put this to scale, notice the yellow bus on the other bank. the Gaillard cut would be just off to the right in this shot. |
