Deck Tales: Secrets From The Sea. Behind the Scenes Stories from Cruise Ships and Crew Members from Maritime and Sea Life

Ep46: Richard Jones - Naval Engineer and AuthorToday I'm speaking with Richard Jones — Royal Navy weapons engineer by day and one of Britain’s most prolific shipwreck and disaster historians by night. Richard shares how a lifelong fascination with maritime disasters turned into nearly three decades of research, 27+ published books, and multiple memorial campaigns honouring forgotten tragedies.The conversation dives into shipwrecks, air disasters, historical myths, and the emotional weight of researching real loss. Richard explains why he focuses on overlooked stories, how social media transformed historical research, and why he believes history belongs to everyone — not locked away in private archives. From Costa Concordia to lost wartime ships, this episode explores the thin line between human error, hubris, and remembrance.Key TakeawaysHistory isn’t owned — it’s shared. Richard’s mission is to preserve forgotten disasters before their stories disappear forever.Research is part detective work. Separating myth from fact often takes years of interviews, archives, and firsthand accounts.Modern tech changed everything. Social media now connects historians directly with survivors, families, and rare evidence.Memorials matter. For families, plaques and books can provide long-overdue closure and public recognition.Human error repeats itself. From Titanic to Titan, lessons at sea are often ignored — with tragic results.Respect over sensationalism. Some truths don’t need to be published to honor the people involved.https://shipwreckdata.wixsite.com/richard-m-joneshttps://bsky.app/profile/wreckmasterjay.bsky.socialhttps://disasters-shipwrecks.blogspot.com⏱️ YouTube Chapters (01:08:27)00:00 – Welcome Aboard Deck TalesSetting the scene: life at sea, disasters, and forgotten stories04:12 – From Navy Engineer to Shipwreck HistorianHow Richard Jones balances classified work with disaster research09:35 – Why Most Tragedies Are ForgottenMedia bias, death tolls, and how history chooses what survives15:48 – Shipwreck Myths vs RealitySeparating fact from fiction in maritime disasters21:32 – The Human Cost of Disaster ResearchThe unseen emotional toll of studying real loss28:10 – When Research Brings Families ClosureMemorials, survivors, and why remembrance matters35:04 – Titanic, Titan & Repeating MistakesWhy maritime disasters keep happening — again and again41:22 – The Survivors Who Defied the OddsRafts, wartime sinkings, and impossible survival stories48:05 – The Worst Captains in HistoryEgo, negligence, and decisions that doomed thousands54:18 – The Biggest Shipwreck Conspiracies DebunkedThe Titanic switch theory and other myths destroyed01:01:10 – Beyond Titanic: Why These Stories MatterLegacy, memory, and preserving history before it’s lost#piratelegend #seadogs #piracy #shipstories To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website: https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at: https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep44: Anthony Cummins AKA Captain TonzToday I'm in talks with Captain Tonz — a real-life pirate with over 65 years at sea — to dismantle everything we think we know about piracy. From surviving rogue waves as a teenager to smuggling camels, outwitting the Royal Navy, and acting as a guardian of the ocean, Captain Tonz shares a life shaped by instinct, equality, and a deep spiritual connection to the sea. This isn’t a tale of Hollywood piracy — it’s a raw, philosophical journey through freedom, responsibility, and what it truly means to “boldly go.”Key TakeawaysPiracy isn’t what pop culture sells us: historically, pirates were explorers, innovators, and early champions of equality.Connection beats control: Captain Tonz credits survival and success at sea to listening, not conquering.The pirate code was radically progressive: equality, shared power, and respect were core principles.Modern threats to the ocean are invisible: pollution, automation, and disconnection pose greater danger than storms.Anyone can be a pirate — if they can connect, adapt, and take responsibility.Chapters00:00:00 — A Real Pirate Joins the PodcastMeet Captain Tonz and the myth vs reality of piracy00:04:42 — “Everything You Know About Pirates Is Wrong”The true meaning of piracy and where the word comes from00:09:05 — Running Away to Sea at 14From troubled childhood to life aboard ships00:14:18 — The Wave That Changed EverythingSurviving a rogue wave and finding purpose00:19:52 — Becoming a Pirate by AccidentA master pirate, the Baltic Sea, and a life-altering choice00:24:55 — Smuggling, Survival & Sea InstinctsWhy piracy is about planning, not chaos00:30:08 — Camels, Cargo & Breaking RecordsThe strangest things ever smuggled at sea00:35:12 — Escaping the Royal NavyChains, hacksaw blades, and a Gibraltar breakout00:40:18 — Pirate Code: Radical Equality at SeaWhy pirates were centuries ahead of their time00:45:55 — Prison Cells & Close CallsFrom East Germany to unexpected hospitality00:51:02 — UFOs, Legends & Sea MysteriesWhat sailors see that landlubbers never will00:56:10 — Are Pirates the Guardians of the Ocean?Pollution, responsibility, and protecting the sea01:01:48 — Somali Pirates & The Truth Behind the HeadlinesWhat really created modern piracy01:08:32 — Stopping Environmental Crimes at SeaWhen pirates enforced justice no one else would01:14:55 — Who Can Be a Pirate?Mental health, connection, and fearlessness01:21:30 — Johnny Depp, Stephen Fry & Dream CrewsCasting pirates and Hollywood truth01:28:45 — Pirates, AI & the Future of NavigationWhy modern sailors are losing vital skills01:34:20 — Final Message from the SeaA warning, a responsibility, and a call to acthttps://captaintonz.comhttps://www.originalpiratematerial.co.uk/#piratelegend #seadogs #piracy #shipstories To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website: https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at: https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep42: Rich Napolitano - Shipwrecks & Seadogs Podcast HostIn this episode of Deck Tales, we welcome maritime storyteller and podcaster Richard, creator of Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs.From Florida’s stormy skies to centuries-old shipwrecks, Richard shares how a lifelong love of history evolved into a full-time podcast dedicated to maritime disasters, sea legends, and the people caught in between.The conversation dives deep into what makes great nautical storytelling: meticulous research, narrative immersion, and respect for historical accuracy. Richard unpacks some of his most gripping stories — including the horrific mutiny and massacre following the wreck of the Batavia, and the rise and disappearance of legendary pirate Henry Every. Along the way, we explore the realities of piracy, the evolution of maritime law, and how history, music, and routine help sustain a creative life at sea.Key TakeawaysMaritime history is about people, not just shipwrecks — power, greed, survival, and human choices drive every story.Accuracy comes first: multiple primary sources, official reports, and firsthand accounts are essential to responsible storytelling.The Batavia stands out as one of history’s most disturbing shipwreck stories, blending mutiny, ideology, and mass murder.Henry Every’s raid helped bring the Golden Age of Piracy to an end and reshaped global attitudes toward pirates.Creative sustainability matters — routine, music, and structure help avoid burnout when producing long-form narrative content.You don’t need to be a professional sailor to tell sea stories — curiosity and rigor go a long way.https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.comHopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!#seadogs #shipwrecks #podcastersunite #shipstoriesTo see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244Special Thanks To:Lucy Southernon @CruisingAsCrewTom Hunt @teghuntDan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.coGet Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#40 We round out the end of season 2 with another star from the world of cruise content creation, Mr Gary Bembridge.At the time of recording Gary has been on 124 cruises around the globe, and he has documented pretty much all of them.His mission is to help make it easier for others to book their cruises, by shining an impartial light on what the different lines offer, and objectively weighing up all the pros and cons.I learned all about his upbringing, his early career, how it set him up to succeed, and more!Hopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!I'm gonna take a break from posting for a while as I need to record and edit with a batch of new guests for the next series, and if you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the show, please don't hesitate to get in touch.I hope it's nothing but smooth sailing for you all out there.Ciao for nowSam -x-Recorded 19th June 2025Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A little something different today, as my guest Peter Knego is the first person on DeckTales who has NOT worked on ships.His enthusiasm for them however, has basically meant he's spent more time on ships over the years than some of my previous guests.Peter fell in love with the old ocean liners when he was young, and his obsession for them only grew over time.He was blogging about them before the word was invented, then he progressed into vlogging, where he started a YouTube channel which can be found at Peter Knego's MidShipCinema - YouTube, and a website for people who love old ships as much as he does, where the fixings and furnishings he salvaged from Indian scrapyards are up for sale.https://www.midshipcentury.comEnjoy!Recorded 7th April 2025Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Allegra and I worked on the same ship over 15 years ago, and not having seen or spoken with her since like so many of my former colleagues, it was amazing to see and speak with her after so much time.She worked as a solo singer and musician, onboard a ship that many crew members have dubbed as being one of the rowdiest contracts on the seven seas. The Carnival Paradise which at that time ran a 3 day booze cruise from Long Beach C.A to Catalina, and Ensenada, Mexico.She informed me that was her one and only ship contract, how she found herself on board in the first place, why she never did another, what she's up to now and loads more.You can support her incredible talent at some of the following links.Enjoy!HOME | Allegra DuChaineHOME | My SiteAllegra DuChaine - YouTubeAllegra DuChaine (@allegraduchaine) • Instagram photos and videosAllegra Duchaine | SpotifyRecorded 25th February 2025Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.