Life on Gry Maritha: Sailing sunsets and carrying emus
As part of our series celebrating the people and moments that have defined Gry Maritha ahead of her departure from the fleet this summer, we’re sharing reflections from those who lived and worked aboard her. In this blog, we hear from Jon Rundle.
Jon Rundle served aboard our freight vessel, Gry Maritha, between 2017 and 2022, initially joining as Chief Officer before stepping up to the role of Master.
“Sailing across to the Isles of Scilly was a mixed bag, from spectacular sunset cruises to midnight gales – neither of which were boring!”
It would be the challenging sailing conditions that would often provided the most entertainment on board for Jon.
“I would always laugh when a crew member would confidently declare they don’t get seasick. Usually, the more confidently they declared it, the more poorly they ended up!”
Gry Maritha continued to operate through unprecedented circumstances. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, she remained an essential service to the Isles of Scilly.
“The pandemic was a bizarre time. We were very much the lifeline link, and we took that responsibility very seriously. We were locked down on the ship, with Scillonian III crew doing the shopping for us, and everything that came aboard was disinfected.”
But despite restrictions, team spirit remained high. “We did circuit training on deck to avoid cabin-fever, but we lucked out as the weather was amazing, so barbecues on board during downtime were regular too!”
“The Gry crew are a family. The uniqueness of life of the Gry gives you all a bond of shared experience and trust that you don’t find very often. I would say that the Gry crew are a unique breed that will always go above and beyond to maintain the lifeline link.”
Jon experienced the crew’s camaraderie as well as carrying some interesting cargo…
“The strangest cargo we almost accepted arrived under a tarp on St Mary’s Quay. We were told it was a goat. But when we checked, it turned out to be a pig, six chickens and an emu! The emu made the crossing a few days later in a horse box and just stared at us the entire way.”
When asked to sum up the Gry in three words, Jon said: “Sturdy ocean tank.”
“She has been an incredible servant to the islands. The whole economy and infrastructure of the Isles of Scilly revolves around what that ship can do and how it operates.”
Originally built in Norway in 1981, Gry Maritha will be replaced by Menawethan in June 2026.
“The fact that the new vessel has been custom designed is testament to the Gry and the legacy she’ll leave behind. I’m excited to see her in service. The Gry has done her time and served the Islands well. She has earned a good rest!”
Our newest freight vessel, Menawethan, is making its way to Penzance and will replace Gry Maritha this summer. You can track her journey here.