The Cape Ships

About the Book

The Cape Ships: The Ships, The Work, The Men is a powerful first-hand account of Australia’s Commonwealth Lighthouse Service and the remarkable Cape Class lighthouse tenders that kept the nation’s coastal lights burning. Through vivid storytelling and rare photographs, former Able Seaman Mike Pitcher captures the ships, the seamanship, and the men who maintained Australia’s lighthouses, reef beacons, lightships and buoys during a time of immense change. From remote coral reefs to major maritime projects like Hydrographers Passage, this book preserves a proud era of hands-on seafaring skill, resilience and camaraderie. Today, only one vessel survives, the MV Cape Don, the last ship of the Cape Class anywhere in the world. As custodian of this historic vessel, the Sea Heritage Foundation is dedicated to preserving her legacy and the stories of those who served aboard her. All proceeds from this publication support the ongoing conservation of MV Cape Don, ensuring that this vital chapter of Australia’s maritime history continues to inspire future generations. The ships. The work. The men. The light still shines, Never Forgotten, Forever Grateful.

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