Shipping personality Lander dies

A CLOSE LINK between South Africa and international vessels involved in Antarctic research operations has been broken with the recent death of Victor Lander, who retired in 1997 as a director of Combine Ocean Ships Agency in the Rennies Group.
He had given more than 50 years service to the shipping industry, starting off as a messenger clerk with Attwell & Co in 1947. But even after his retirement four years ago he continued his association with various Antarctic research programmes, assisting with ship and personnel needs as they arose.
His lengthy career in shipping saw him in the role of marine claims controller for all southern African ports stretching from Walvis Bay on the west coast to Beira on the east, while serving with Transocean Liners, at that stage agents for Deutsche Afrika Linien in the 1950s and 1960s.
He was the company branch manager in Cape Town when it was taken over by the Rennies Group. In the 15 years leading up to his retirement he was also heavily involved in ships agency operations for oil rigs, supply vessels, tugs, drill ships, seismic research and Antarctic research vessels.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, who often accompanied him on early morning trips to meet and sail in with the 'Polarstern' , children and grandchildren.