Darcy along with his wife and daughter returned to the UK on the S.S. Australis in October/November 1968, voyage number 16 with Captain Challioris in command. They visited Fiji, Acapulco, Panama Canal, Christobel and Miami. D'Arcy recalls going through a hurricane type storm after leaving Ft Lauderdale, Florida. Everything was tied down and they had to remain in their cabins for two days and had food brought to them.

It was a terrifying experience for him and his family but Captain Challioris personally visited every cabin and assured them that all would be ok, although it looked like the end of the world to them. They were in cabin 463 on the main deck and were under the water, as the ship rolled continually. It was so severe that they had to take the mattresses off the bed and sleep on the floor Their daughter Chevonne, who was only 16 months old at the time, was poorly for the last few weeks and lived only on just rice water. D'Arcy especially remembers celebrating his 28th birthday aboard the Australis, because the Captain sent him a birthday card and a cake (D'Arcy still has his card somewhere).

View D'Arcy's memorabilia slideshow on this link:Darcy Richards Memorabilia collection

This page was designed by: Ken Ironside.

Due to a huge volume of questions I am asked, for which often I do not have the information, I have decided to ask that only ex-crew actually write to me please. I am delighted with everyones contributions, and will occasionally update the Australis web site, using photos/stories etc sent to me. However I cannot answer any more questions. Thankyou for your sustained interest in the SS Australis Homepage. Please e-mail me on this link: Contact.