© 2014-2023 Offshore Radio Museum
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Former Name(s)
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Unitas
Zeevaart
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Description
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Former Dutch coaster
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Length
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148’ (45m)
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Tonnage
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359 tons
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Built
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1938 by Noord Ned Schps, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Flag state(s)
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Liechtenstein
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Stations Housed
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Capital Radio
(1st May - 9th November 1970)
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Ultimate fate
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Salvaged after running aground in 1970.
Sold and used as a warehouse/pier support.
Sank in 1984
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Above: MV King David stranded on Noordwijk Beach, November 1970
(photos Rob Olthof)
Above: two views of the MV King David in use as a floating warehouse, 1972
(photos Karel Gerbers)
After being salvaged from Noordwijk beach in November 1970 the King David was towed to Westerdock in Amsterdam by the Wijsmuller Salvage tug Hector.
The Wijsmuller Salvage Company had a writ served on the ship, claiming salvage costs, but the International Broadcasters Society (which had operated Capital Radio) experienced problems with their insurers paying out their claim.
The King David was then towed to Betuwe, Holland where it was used as a warehouse for a local steel company.
The ship was auctioned in 1972 and bought by a shipyard in Heerwaarden, Holland.
In 1981 the King David was moved to a new mooring between Heerwaarden and Kerkdriel, Holland where her hull was filled with concrete and she became the base for a floating pier.
In 1984 the hull was sunk and used as a practice base by a local diving club.
Thanks to Martin van der Ven for allowing us to use some additional information from the Broadcasting Fleet section of the Offshore Radio Guide in this Gallery
Above: Three views of MV King David as the Zeevart
(photos Hans Knot/Freewave Magazine)
