Radio Caroline (Offshore Pirate Radio)

Radio Caroline started out as an alternative to the BBC who did not broadcast much in the way of pop music. Starting on Easter Sunday 1964 Radio Caroline became the first offshore pirate radio station off the British coast. They became very popular very quickly.

Shortly after Radio Caroline was joined by another pirate station Radio Atlanta but after a short time both stations merged. The original Radio Caroline ship sailed to a position off the Isle of Man becoming Radio Caroline North. The Atlanta ship called "Mi Amigo" stayed anchored off the east coast as Radio Caroline South.

In 1967 the Government introduced an act of parliament outlawing the pirates but Radio Caroline continued. In 1968 a dispute led to both Radio Caroline ships being towed to a Dutch port putting an end to that Radio Caroline era.

Against all the odds Radio Caroline returned in late 1972 from the "Mi Amigo". It had been heavily vandalised and extensive repairs had to be made. Eventually Radio Caroline developed a rock album format and this was a success across much of Europe. The ship at this time was anchored off the Dutch coast.

For a short time the radio station changed name to Radio Seagull. In 1974 the Dutch Government passed its own anti pirate law and Radio Caroline returned to the British coast. Throughout the decade the Radio station continued in spite of problems. The ship was repaired as well as possible out at sea.

The Dutch "Radio Mi Amigo" hired airtime during the day and helped provide the money to keep things going. However in 1980 during a rough storm at sea the Mi Amigo began to take on water and the Coast Guard were notified. A Lifeboat was sent out on standby and evently the crew realised that they would have to abandon ship.

With all onboard now safe on the lifeboat including the ships canary the Mi Amigo sank ending the 1970s era.

In 1983 Radio Caroline returned from a larger and tougher ship the Ross Revenge. It had been fitted with what was at the time the tallest mast (radio antenna) ever fitted to a ship. Radio Caroline also began a shortwave radio service featuring religious broadcasts.

In 1989 a raid on the ship was conducted by the Dutch Government and monitored by the British. This led to much equipment being taken away and ended the Dutch service Radio Monique. Radio Caroline returned on low power but soon ran out of money and broadcasts ceased.

In 1990 the British Government introduced a new law making it practically impossible to set up and operate an offshore radio station. The ship eventually ran aground on the Goodwin sands and was towed into port. Today Radio Caroline continues and can easily be heard on the internet worldwide. A support group helps to keep the Ross Revenge in good order.

www.radiocaroline.co.uk