Hello, I was the purser on that cruise. A friend of mine found this today as we were talking about Winjammer. Today is my 62nd birthday and this was a wonderful treat. Thank you for posting it. I would love to see any other videos you may have!
Having sailed the week before that fateful voyage, my friends and I were excited for our second week. Having made friends with the crew, we were saddened when Captain March announced our evacuation. As I sat in the last motor launch to be sent to the Belize shore, I threw my camera up to Brasso so he could take some last shots of us. He and I had joked about him hiding in my suitcase so he could come to Seattle with me- Oh how I wish that had been possible- As we pulled away I continued to take pictures, these which can be seen in Jim Carriers book “ The Ship and the Storm”. Who would have known they would be the last shots of Captain Guyan, Brasso and Onassis. I still am unable to listen to Amazing Grace without getting teary eyed- as I think of our hero’s who saved our lives- Our Ocean Angels 👼🏽👼🏼👼🏻👼🏿
I was the Purser on the Fantome. I left shortly before the tragedy. I loved Brasso and Captain Guyan and the rest of the crew. I am still saddened to this day when I think about their lose.
I'm re-reading the book again, and am crying again for the men who were lost and their families. It didn't have to happen. Thank you for contributing to the book and sharing your memories and photos. I took a trip on Fantome in 1984 when things were very bare bones, and I really wish I'd done it again in the 1990s. It was such a memorable trip.
Just want to say God Bless Capt Guy and their Crew, I was one of the crew working on all the windjammer ships, I remember 1 week ago before I flew back to Miami and saying to the crew, good luck for the future! When I heard it went down, I was so gutted and upset, and then I believe that its was fate that God took me out of these ship! Some of you may remember me, My name is Ian Glover, a Deaf lad that do computer programme on ships! God bless you all x
We were diving off Gaunaja a few years ago and mentioned Windjammer cruises and the Fantome. Everyone in the village immediately told us, "The Fantome went down right over there (pointing). Debris from the Fantoma (including the name plate) are in a little village around the corner". Sure enough...they had rescued and "repurposed" as much of the Fantome debris (including the name plate). If you ever go to Guanaja be sure to ask the locals about this.
Just ran across this vid. It is my fervent hope that a great guy who was with Western Airlines and saved my life while we were scuba diving under the Fantome in the early 80s will see this as I never thanked him enough for what he did. Nearly 40 years now. Hard to imagine.
Many fond memories working on the Fantome. I truly enjoyed your video. And I too send much love out to the wonderful souls lost in the hurricane. I had stopped working on it in the early 80's . I made up a slogan for the crew as a joke " When your hands look like feet and your feet look like shoes. ....you know you've worked on the Windjammer Cruise" We had a great time, even though the work was very hard and the crew went with very little sleep, being out at sea and seeing the stars while steering at the helm at night was such a wonderful memory as well as all the great friends and people we met throughout the years. I'm so glad you enjoyed your time while sailing aboard the Fantome on your 30th anniversary 💖 At the the I was on the schooner Capt. Wynn was running it. Sad that so many lives were lost 😢💔....but as my Angels were watching over me as they always do, I decided to get off the ship because I had encountered many dangerous times out at sea and knew in my heart it was time to get off. I'm a salty dog at heart and still love the sea. It was a great experience and learning lesson on my life's journey. Stay well and be blessed everyday 🙏❤️
Would you like to see a video of Offshore Eddie on my UA-cam site RJHayes3308, loved our time at sea and it was hard working people like you that keep the memories alive. Thank You for your comments.
Thanks for posting. I have many photos of WJ ships but nothing like a video. I sailed the Fantome in 1978 and later the Polynesia, Mandalay, Flying Cloud and Legacy. Even got to visit the crazy people on the Amazing Grace one night. The Fantome was my favorite - it was the most robust of the fleet. Miss these cruises so much. I'd never been "in the moment" like I was on board these ships. To paraphrase the poet, Don't cry because it's gone, be thankful that you were able to enjoy it.
i just stumble upon this video, after many years i still have tears in my eyes dint rely know it will still hurts, while my dad (P.J SHAMMIE HARRIPERSAUD) was working on Yankee clipper n then Mandalay his big brother was working on Amazing grace he was the chief engineer... the brother who help his two brothers got these amazing jobs, my dad was a engineer while their baby brother Deodat Jallim was a carpenter on Fantome he had not so long join them on barefoot crew , but little would they know .....he was one of the crew member from Guyana who died in that ship n leave two children n a wife back home n for a very long time i was wishing to just see him come home....i love my dad but one thing the whole family agree on is their baby brother was the best brother ...my dad spook to his brother from thru the radar system down to the last , my dad knew what was going to happen ...his last words was mitch is turning back towards them. 31 crew member lost their life that day....
A real heartwarming video. I worked for WJ for many years as did my husband Capt John Lloyd. I'll pass along your video to others who I know will want to view it. I can't thank you enough for your kind dialogue and sensitivity when narrating; not to mention your great camera work and tasteful music. The memories of those wonderful years came flooding back. Even though the tragedy and sadness remain, so also does the heartfelt joy and gratefulness of all who sailed Windjammer.
My wife & I have been on this ship, as well as the other ships .... we truly miss sailing on these ships .... are thoughts are with the crew ... still after all these years .. thanks you for posting this video ... so many memories
Fantastic video, brings back many memories from when I worked on the Fantome back around 1991. Joined her at the start of her 3 month refit in Trinidad and sailed on her for approx 6 months before heading back to the UK . Great to see Lisa the purser on the video .
I'm just now reading "The Ship & the Storm" after seeing a program on the Weather Channel on hurricane Mitch. They mentioned the Fantome, and I bought the book. This video REALLY gives the book much more depth and a true feeling of the experience. Your video is amazing! I especially enjoyed seeing the fine detailes in the craftsmanship of the ship. Thank you so very much for sharing!
Godspeed Fantome & crew.... I had at one point worked out a proposal in an attempt to approach Paul Allen to see if he could be convinced to dedicate some of the vast research & exploration resources at his disposal.... hoping to spot her wreck. Time, she flies.
When passing another launch, we all chanted Fantome! Fantome! Such great fun in Mar.1988...was saddened to hear and read of her loss in 1998 in Soundings and also the book, The Ship and Storm.
I wich my grandmother could see this this video , but that is imposible for her because she lost her first son of 7 in that ship. Our family was destroyed . 24 years later and my grandmother has never see the ocean again after that tradegy.
Thank you for posting this video. I sailed on the Fantome in October of 1990 and had a wonderful experience. I'm stilled saddened and haunted by the loss of the crew and the ship. But this film brought back many fond memories. Thanks again.
1996...my week on the Fantome is something I will never forget...Storytime. Bloody Mary's and Sticky buns,sleeping under stars, Capt Guyan and wonderful crew...PPP party on deck(pirates,pimps and prostitutes😁)...and best of all..getting to help raise those giant masts each night as bagpipes played "Amazing Grace.."..I was heartbroken when I received news of the Fantome and her crew...the most haunting tragedy I have ever been associated in any way with...Lost at Sea....what an unimaginable horror the crew faced...up against a monster of a storm which seemed to be tracking them almost...until it finally penned the Fantome in with nowhere to go...Its an image I will have in my head forever...
What a sad thing to know of the loss of Fantome and her crew in 1998. No. I never sailed aboard her but have had a life long love for sailing ships. Fair winds and trailing seas to the memory of the good ship and crew.
I sailed on her in 1995, what an amazing experience. We also slept on the deck one night and saw a whale off of Monserrat. The crew was warm, fun and very kind. The ship was so beautiful. I still tear up when I think of the tremendous loss their families suffered.
I'm so sorry Shaieem. The best memories I have of the Fantome was the kindness and professionalism of the crew. My son is a marine engineer and I worry about him every time he leaves on a ship . My thoughts are with you and your family.
I just stumbled upon this lovely ship and company as I searched for 'Windjammer fragrance(cologne).Unsure these companies are related or not? I was very sad to hear this ship and her crew got lost at sea Rest In Peace all on board :)
I worked on the Polynesia for many years as an engineer back in the early 80’s Then I went to Martinique to do some work in the fantome engine room while she was in dry dock. So sad. May all those poor souls RIP
I got to sail on her in 1984. I also went to Antigua, Saba, Monserrat (before the volcano!), St. Barts, St. Maarten. There were more amenities added in the 1990s, including hot water and air conditioned cabins! I wish I'd gone again before she was lost. What a sad, sad story. Those men never should have had to risk their lives that way.
I worked on the fantome for a couple of weeks wxhile she was in dry dock in Martinique back in the early 80’s.Some of you may know I used to go by the name of police.Wynn jones was the the captain then. I joined windjammer from Montserrat. First on the yankee clipper. May all those brave souls who got lost on the fantome RIP
Good night here I was working here on this ship but God was good to me why I came off the ship week before it sink I have many history here and remember everything that these do to me on the ship believe me
Very sad what happened to this ship and her crew. Sadder still is how the company was run in the ground by the Burke family and how the rest of the ships and their crew were treated by the greedy family who only cared about lining their own pockets and leaving their crew stranded.
I just read the 4 page article about the Burke family and their nefarious ways that destroyed this company. Too bad non of them were ever held accountable for all the lives they toyed with and destroyed, not to mention all the loyal clients that they screwed over.
A great vid. I am so sad this beautiful ship was lost, with all hands, to hurricane Mitch (Bitch) Anyway, a storm as this, sat still, like a buzz-saw, spinning with force 12 plus, for a week. If anyone has vids of the storm.. . . . .
I’m very happy to say that this company is still technically up and running, now under different people and the name Island Windjammers. Beautiful boats and beautiful sights, well worth the trip!
Hello, I was the purser on that cruise. A friend of mine found this today as we were talking about Winjammer. Today is my 62nd birthday and this was a wonderful treat. Thank you for posting it. I would love to see any other videos you may have!
Sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the heartache you must still feel.
Having sailed the week before that fateful voyage, my friends and I were excited for our second week. Having made friends with the crew, we were saddened when Captain March announced our evacuation. As I sat in the last motor launch to be sent to the Belize shore, I threw my camera up to Brasso so he could take some last shots of us. He and I had joked about him hiding in my suitcase so he could come to Seattle with me- Oh how I wish that had been possible- As we pulled away I continued to take pictures, these which can be seen in Jim Carriers book “ The Ship and the Storm”. Who would have known they would be the last shots of Captain Guyan, Brasso and Onassis. I still am unable to listen to Amazing Grace without getting teary eyed- as I think of our hero’s who saved our lives- Our Ocean Angels 👼🏽👼🏼👼🏻👼🏿
thanks for posting i watch the video hoping i would see him..(my dad brother)
I was the Purser on the Fantome. I left shortly before the tragedy. I loved Brasso and Captain Guyan and the rest of the crew. I am still saddened to this day when I think about their lose.
I'm re-reading the book again, and am crying again for the men who were lost and their families. It didn't have to happen. Thank you for contributing to the book and sharing your memories and photos. I took a trip on Fantome in 1984 when things were very bare bones, and I really wish I'd done it again in the 1990s. It was such a memorable trip.
I’m reading the book now, so sad. My mom sailed on Fantome in Oct/Nov 1981.
Just want to say God Bless Capt Guy and their Crew, I was one of the crew working on all the windjammer ships, I remember 1 week ago before I flew back to Miami and saying to the crew, good luck for the future! When I heard it went down, I was so gutted and upset, and then I believe that its was fate that God took me out of these ship! Some of you may remember me, My name is Ian Glover, a Deaf lad that do computer programme on ships!
God bless you all x
Hey bro. Was this the same crew that went down? Same Capt?
We were diving off Gaunaja a few years ago and mentioned Windjammer cruises and the Fantome. Everyone in the village immediately told us, "The Fantome went down right over there (pointing). Debris from the Fantoma (including the name plate) are in a little village around the corner".
Sure enough...they had rescued and "repurposed" as much of the Fantome debris (including the name plate). If you ever go to Guanaja be sure to ask the locals about this.
Thank You for your message, so many memories.
Just ran across this vid. It is my fervent hope that a great guy who was with Western Airlines and saved my life while we were scuba diving under the Fantome in the early 80s will see this as I never thanked him enough for what he did. Nearly 40 years now. Hard to imagine.
Beautiful ship , beautiful crew.... never to be forgotten !
Many fond memories working on the Fantome. I truly enjoyed your video. And I too send much love out to the wonderful souls lost in the hurricane. I had stopped working on it in the early 80's . I made up a slogan for the crew as a joke " When your hands look like feet and your feet look like shoes. ....you know you've worked on the Windjammer Cruise" We had a great time, even though the work was very hard and the crew went with very little sleep, being out at sea and seeing the stars while steering at the helm at night was such a wonderful memory as well as all the great friends and people we met throughout the years. I'm so glad you enjoyed your time while sailing aboard the Fantome on your 30th anniversary 💖 At the the I was on the schooner Capt. Wynn was running it. Sad that so many lives were lost 😢💔....but as my Angels were watching over me as they always do, I decided to get off the ship because I had encountered many dangerous times out at sea and knew in my heart it was time to get off. I'm a salty dog at heart and still love the sea. It was a great experience and learning lesson on my life's journey. Stay well and be blessed everyday 🙏❤️
Would you like to see a video of Offshore Eddie on my UA-cam site RJHayes3308, loved our time at sea and it was hard working people like you that keep the memories alive. Thank You for your comments.
So glad to read your story
Thanks for posting. I have many photos of WJ ships but nothing like a video. I sailed the Fantome in 1978 and later the Polynesia, Mandalay, Flying Cloud and Legacy. Even got to visit the crazy people on the Amazing Grace one night. The Fantome was my favorite - it was the most robust of the fleet. Miss these cruises so much. I'd never been "in the moment" like I was on board these ships. To paraphrase the poet, Don't cry because it's gone, be thankful that you were able to enjoy it.
Thank you for sharing the video...I read the book by Jim Carrier...incredible tragic story...the crew all seemed so kind and genuine....
Thank you so much....great memories and sadness.
Sailed on the Fantome in 1971. Slept under the stars every night.
i just stumble upon this video, after many years i still have tears in my eyes dint rely know it will still hurts, while my dad (P.J SHAMMIE HARRIPERSAUD) was working on Yankee clipper n then Mandalay his big brother was working on Amazing grace he was the chief engineer... the brother who help his two brothers got these amazing jobs, my dad was a engineer while their baby brother Deodat Jallim was a carpenter on Fantome he had not so long join them on barefoot crew , but little would they know .....he was one of the crew member from Guyana who died in that ship n leave two children n a wife back home n for a very long time i was wishing to just see him come home....i love my dad but one thing the whole family agree on is their baby brother was the best brother ...my dad spook to his brother from thru the radar system down to the last , my dad knew what was going to happen ...his last words was mitch is turning back towards them. 31 crew member lost their life that day....
🌹🌹🌹
A real heartwarming video. I worked for WJ for many years as did my husband Capt John Lloyd. I'll pass along your video to others who I know will want to view it. I can't thank you enough for your kind dialogue and sensitivity when narrating; not to mention your great camera work and tasteful music. The memories of those wonderful years came flooding back. Even though the tragedy and sadness remain, so also does the heartfelt joy and gratefulness of all who sailed Windjammer.
My wife & I have been on this ship, as well as the other ships .... we truly miss sailing on these ships .... are thoughts are with the crew ... still after all these years .. thanks you for posting this video ... so many memories
I was aboard the Fantome back in the early 1980s in the Bahamas. Recall the wonderful week aboard as if it was only yesterday.
Worked in the engine room 1976. RIP brave souls.
Hi
Are u a Ghanaian that work on this ship
I sailed on her in 1998, six weeks before she was lost in Hurricane Mitch. So sad. Thanks for the memories!
Fantastic video, brings back many memories from when I worked on the Fantome back around 1991. Joined her at the start of her 3 month refit in Trinidad and sailed on her for approx 6 months before heading back to the UK . Great to see Lisa the purser on the video .
OMG...how are you Mark. This is Lisa!
Thanks so much. Sailed in ‘96. Great memories 💙💔
Reading the Ship and the Storm. What a tragic ending. Thank you for sharing these memories
We sailed on her a few months before she was lost. It was the best week of our lives and the news broke our hearts. Thanks for the memories.
Good memories. Our first cruise (almost our last). Nothing like her sailing these days that I know of.
I'm just now reading "The Ship & the Storm" after seeing a program on the Weather Channel on hurricane Mitch. They mentioned the Fantome, and I bought the book. This video REALLY gives the book much more depth and a true feeling of the experience. Your video is amazing! I especially enjoyed seeing the fine detailes in the craftsmanship of the ship. Thank you so very much for sharing!
Godspeed Fantome & crew....
I had at one point worked out a proposal in an attempt to approach Paul Allen to see if he could be convinced to dedicate some of the vast research & exploration resources at his disposal.... hoping to spot her wreck. Time, she flies.
When passing another launch, we all chanted Fantome! Fantome! Such great fun in Mar.1988...was saddened to hear and read of her loss in 1998 in Soundings and also the book, The Ship and Storm.
I wich my grandmother could see this this video , but that is imposible for her because she lost her first son of 7 in that ship. Our family was destroyed . 24 years later and my grandmother has never see the ocean again after that tradegy.
Thank you for posting this video. I sailed on the Fantome in October of 1990 and had a wonderful experience. I'm stilled saddened and haunted by the loss of the crew and the ship. But this film brought back many fond memories. Thanks again.
1996...my week on the Fantome is something I will never forget...Storytime. Bloody Mary's and Sticky buns,sleeping under stars, Capt Guyan and wonderful crew...PPP party on deck(pirates,pimps and prostitutes😁)...and best of all..getting to help raise those giant masts each night as bagpipes played "Amazing Grace.."..I was heartbroken when I received news of the Fantome and her crew...the most haunting tragedy I have ever been associated in any way with...Lost at Sea....what an unimaginable horror the crew faced...up against a monster of a storm which seemed to be tracking them almost...until it finally penned the Fantome in with nowhere to go...Its an image I will have in my head forever...
What a sad thing to know of the loss of Fantome and her crew in 1998. No. I never sailed aboard her but have had a life long love for sailing ships. Fair winds and trailing seas to the memory of the good ship and crew.
I spent the last few days with some of the crew while they were in Belize before the tragedy.
Halloween cruise 1995. WHAT A BLAST. RIP CREW.
We sailed on her as well, in the Bahamas, late 80's. Read the book about her sinking. The Ship and the Storm, by JIm Carrier.
I sailed on her in 1995, what an amazing experience. We also slept on the deck one night and saw a whale off of Monserrat. The crew was warm, fun and very kind. The ship was so beautiful. I still tear up when I think of the tremendous loss their families suffered.
Carol Ann my father was the second mate
I'm so sorry Shaieem. The best memories I have of the Fantome was the kindness and professionalism of the crew. My son is a marine engineer and I worry about him every time he leaves on a ship . My thoughts are with you and your family.
I was on this cruise early 80’s, great times
beautiful memorial
I just stumbled upon this lovely ship and company as I searched for 'Windjammer fragrance(cologne).Unsure these companies are related or not? I was very sad to hear this ship and her crew got lost at sea Rest In Peace all on board :)
I worked on the Polynesia for many years as an engineer back in the early 80’s Then I went to Martinique to do some work in the fantome engine room while she was in dry dock. So sad. May all those poor souls RIP
one can easily see why this ship is missed....thanks for posting ....
AN - TEE - GA , FAN - TOME - as in Rome , and STEEL drums
I got to sail on her in 1984. I also went to Antigua, Saba, Monserrat (before the volcano!), St. Barts, St. Maarten. There were more amenities added in the 1990s, including hot water and air conditioned cabins! I wish I'd gone again before she was lost. What a sad, sad story. Those men never should have had to risk their lives that way.
I worked on the fantome for a couple of weeks wxhile she was in dry dock in Martinique back in the early 80’s.Some of you may know I used to go by the name of police.Wynn jones was the the captain then. I joined windjammer from Montserrat. First on the yankee clipper. May all those brave souls who got lost on the fantome RIP
Thank You.
exactly the way it was! best place for honeymoon ever!
I was a deck hand on the Flying Cloud when she went on a reef in the Mona Passage. Is there anyone out there that was on that trip?
fond memories
Good night here I was working here on this ship but God was good to me why I came off the ship week before it sink I have many history here and remember everything that these do to me on the ship believe me
Very sad what happened to this ship and her crew. Sadder still is how the company was run in the ground by the Burke family and how the rest of the ships and their crew were treated by the greedy family who only cared about lining their own pockets and leaving their crew stranded.
so sad!
SAD TO SEE this video, and realize the ship and her crew all perished in Hurricane Mitch while trying to outrun the storm !
That's not really my kind of cruise, but God bless the Captain and all the crew that went down with her.
would choose a W/J over any floating city!
I just read the 4 page article about the Burke family and their nefarious ways that destroyed this company. Too bad non of them were ever held accountable for all the lives they toyed with and destroyed, not to mention all the loyal clients that they screwed over.
It is pronounced Ahn-Tee-Ga Their is NO Q in Antigua
FanTome like Rome. Not phantom
A great vid. I am so sad this beautiful ship was lost, with all hands, to hurricane Mitch (Bitch)
Anyway, a storm as this, sat still, like a buzz-saw, spinning with force 12 plus, for a week. If anyone has vids of the storm.. . . . .
Thank You If you would like to see Off Shore Eddie video its on my You Tube site RJHayes3308 he was a great guy.
It’s pronounced An tig a, not ant tig u ah.
Thank You
Not my type of outgoing person or people sodom and gamorahh,if you didn't have to interact with people it be ok
I’m very happy to say that this company is still technically up and running, now under different people and the name Island Windjammers. Beautiful boats and beautiful sights, well worth the trip!
Thanks for the info!