Incredibly, it proved possible to salvage the Ross Revenge off the Goodwin Sands. It was towed into Dover harbour.

The Ross Revenge Support Group was formed to save the ship, and just managed to raise the money to buy the vessel from the salvagers.

Debts soon ran up for mooring fees at Dover. The Group worked hard in every way they could to raise funds so as to not lose the ship again. First priority was to get the ship up to towable standard to move it to a cheaper mooring. Eventually this was possible, but the Group seemed to have more and more debts building up.

The ship has been used to broadcast several one-month legal UK local broadcasts on minimal power but the authorities remain neurotic at the thought that someone might sail her out and start broadcasting once again.

Considerable restoration work has been undertaken by volunteers, and the ship is now in very good condition. However, the ship has to be towed everywhere because the propshaft has been locked by the authorities to prevent escape.

Only in 1997 did broadcasts and other fund-raising exercise finally pay off all debts - the Group (now the Radio Caroline Support Group) is now in a far more secure position. But all does not stand still on a ship. Maintenance must go on, and funds are always needed.

You can be a part of Radio Caroline by becoming a member of the Radio Caroline Support Group, in the process helping to keep the dream alive. Write to:

Radio Caroline Support Group
426 Archway Road, Highgate, London, N6 4DH
Email mail @ radiocaroline.co.uk

Was Radio Caroline the last?

Well, no, actually

Whilst we may no longer have free offshore radio in the UK, one lone radio ship can still be found in the Mediterranean. Broadcasting a music and religious station from the MV Eretz Hazvi to Israel, the station Arutz 7 is the last of a long line.

Will we ever hear offshore radio again?

Who knows?

The legislation is now so tight that it would be very difficult, and with the range of land-based radio now available many do not see a need.

Rumours abound of new offshore stations. Many are unfounded stories, fuelled by people's imagination. A few are deliberately started rumours to divert attention from a genuine scheme that is being hatched. Unfortunately, so far no genuine plans have ever been fulfilled.

My advice is to treat any stories you hear with great scepticism, but don't condemn them completely.