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The RNI Story - Part
One - Just A Dream? |
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| R.N.I.'s founders - Erwin Meister (right) & Edwin
Bollier (left) |
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The following is adapted from the ‘R.N.I. Souvenir Book’ and
other sources and initially published in the RNI Fan Club magazine:
The
RNI story began in Hamburg in 1968. A Swiss advertising agency
wanted to set up a ‘pirate’ broadcasting station at sea and the
original intention was to broadcast from the North sea, off Cuxhaven,
Germany, under the name of Radio Gloria. The former minesweeper ‘Galaxy’
(original name Manoula) which had been used successfully
between 1964-67 by Radio London, now lying derelict in Hamburg, Germany,
was chartered at a cost of $500 per day, from June.
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| Two Swiss engineers:
Erwin Meister and Edwin Bollier, had the task of supplying technical
equipment and overhauling the transmitting installation. However, the
project soon hit problems. The new company incurred debts of $65,000
preparing the ‘Galaxy’ for her new role and despite the work
undertaken, the German Bureau of Shipping considered the vessel to be
unseaworthy and refused to grant permission for her to sail. On July 2,
came the final nail when the German Government hastily passed their own
version of the Marine Offences Act. The project collapsed and the Swiss
Agency withdrew.
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Mv Galaxy lying in Hamburg
in 1968 |
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Mebo I |
However, Erwin Meister and Edwin Bollier remained fascinated by the
‘Radio Pirate’ idea and were determined to launch a station on the
high seas. They both had the working knowledge of the problems that would
need to be overcome if they were successful, as they had already helped
build broadcasting stations in Africa. After Easter 1969, the two
purchased the 347 tonne Norwegian vessel, the Bjarkoy. The
engineers re-named her Mebo, derived from the first two letters of
their respective surnames. Studios were fiited out, transmitting equipment
installed, but only then did it become apparent that she was far too small
for her intended purpose. Undeterred, a |
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second, larger freighter the Silvretta
was purchased from a Swiss shipping company.
Her
rear engines and bridge, aft of midships offered plenty of space below
deck for studios, transmitting equipment, crew accomodation and facilities
She became the Mebo II.
Arrangements were made with her Dutch builders, De Groot & Vliet of
Slikkerveer for the ship to undergo conversion to what was probably the
most luxurious radio station ever to set sail. Eight modern cabins with
one bunk in each offered DJs a degree of privacy, a large mess room
offered space for recreation and
dining in comfort.
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The freighter 'Silvretta' before her conversion |
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Above are the entries of
the Bjarkoy & Silvretta in the 1969-70 Lloyd's Register of Ships |
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Crew and DJs personal
needs were also well catered for with a a sparklingly clean washroom,
fitted with showers. Air conditioning and central heating would ensure a comfortable working environment. In those early
days, no expense was spared, as the ship underwent a complete re-fit and
overhaul. Repainted in psychedelic colours, it was said to resemble a
phoenix rising from the ashes of the Marine Offences Act. It took three months for her top be fitted out and to this
point, the project had cost four million Swiss francs. |
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Mebo 2 in drydock in
Rotterdam |
 
Erecting the vessels
trademark 52 metre mast. |
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