Ahoy! Ship’s crew needed for voyage

The SS Cheynes IV has been grounded for the past 40 years but is now recruiting its final crew as part of a regional fundraiser.

Local radio station Triple M Albany is on the hunt to recreate a working crew of 20 for a challenge aboard the vessel at Albany Historic Whaling Station.

As part of Triple M Albany’s annual Give Me 5 For Kids fundraiser, the challenge will raise money for the Princess Margaret Hospital Regional Assistance Fund.

Eligible shipmates will use high- end simulators to crew the whaler as if it were a working vessel from 3pm on Friday, June 23 to 7pm on Saturday, June 24.

“Captain”’ Dales Whyte said shipmates would eat, sleep and work like the original crews of the Cheynes IV, in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“It’s a unique and exciting opportunity to go back and walk in the ship’s past and Albany’s history,” he said.

“The sea and Albany go back to the early 1800s and before.

“You will never be able to get on a whaler and live life as a sailor.”

Station marketing manager Alice Ackley encouraged everyone to get onboard. Contact Mr Whyte on 0411 600 707 for more information.