Captain Len Evans ​ Capt Evans began his seagoing career in 1938 as a midshipman with Blue Funnel Line, joining British Railways at Holyhead ten years later.  His first command was on the Slieve Bloom, one of the four cargo vessels operating to Dublin. His first passenger command came in 1966 when he became master of the Hibernia.   In April 1977 he commanded the new St Columba on her delivery voyage from Denmark to the Irish Sea.  When he retired in September 1986 Capt Evans had served over 48 years at sea, 25 of which were in command – making him the most senior master in the Sealink fleet. Capt Evans was also a loyal union member, joining the NEOU in 1942 and transferring to the MSSA in 1962. He joined the MMSA Council in 1977 and held the posts of deputy vice-president and vice-president before becoming MMSA president in 1985. Through his involvement in the MMSA, Captain Evans became increasingly dedicated to the welfare of seafarers — being closely involved with the care of retired seafarers and their dependants at the Mariners’ Park complex in Wallasey and the Union’s charitable functions, chairing the Welfare Funds Committee from 1985 to 1999. In 1993, to mark 16 years of service on the Mercantile Marine Service Association Council working to expand and improve the warfare facilities for elderly retired seafarers and their partners at the 16 acre Mariners Park complex in Wallasey, Capt Evans was presented with the Nevins and Griffiths Award by the Merchant Navy officers’ union NUMAST.  Former colleagues at Holyhead recommended to NUMAST Council that Capt Evans be considered for the award, a move forwarded by Capt Tudor Jones on behalf of active members and seconded by Capt Glynne Pritchard on behalf or retired members. It was typical of the admiration and respect still held at the port for their former Senior Master seven years after his retirement. Retiring in 1986, Capt Evans enjoyed a happy retirement before crossing the bar in July 2005.  Futher reading.