Re-opening of Southend Pier 19 August 2006

Report and pictures by Martin Longhurst

Kingswear Castle made her way to Southend to make the first call by a passenger vessel since the Pier Head had been re-opened some two weeks earlier.   The Pier Head had been cut off since a large fire last October.

Framed by the weather deck door the pier head can be seen ahead of the steamer

The first passengers go ashore

Looking down on the small steamer

Looking towards the shore, the arrow indicates the position of the temporary station, less than 100 yards beyond the original location

The pier train pulls into the station to pick up KC's passengers

There are limited facilities at the Pier Head

The location of the original station with the new walkway to the left

Looking back at we sailed for Chatham, the RNLI boat house (which was unaffected by the fire) stands out clearly

Dresden Express at the Thamesport container terminal

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