SJÖGREN MICHAEL

 

Sjögren, Michael, Witalis, Albatross, was born in Lumparland, Åland, on 23.9.1902 and died in Lemland on 20.11.1975.

He went to sea at the age of sixteen in the galeas FRID and subsequently served in many deepwater sailing-ships.

He obtained his Master Mariner's certificate in Mariehamn in 1932.

' Big Mike ' served as Mate of the barque PENANG and as Mate and Master of the 4-masted barque ARCHIBALD RUSSELL for six years.

He took over command of the 4-masted barque MOSHULU in 1938 and served in her until 1940, being her last Master.

During World War II, Michael Sjögren went over to engine- propelled vessels.

He was Master of the m v SWEDEN from 1942-47 and of the s s REX from 1947-55, and he was also in command of the m v YVETTE, m v YVONNE, s s ALCOR, m v STYRSÖ, and s s WASALAND.

He retired in 1967 and became a farmer in Norrby, Lemland.

'Big Mike ' rounded Cape Horn 12 times altogether :

- once as Able Seaman in the Norwegian 4- masted barque SOUVENIR in 1923.

- once as sailmaker in the fullrigger PARCHIM in 1925.

- 3 times in the barque PENANG in 1929,1930 and 1932, as mate

- 6 times in the 4- masted barque ARCHIBALD RUSSELL ? once as Chief Mate in 1933 and 5 times as Master, 1934,1935,1936,1937 and 1938, and

- once as Master of the MOSHUMU in 1939.

He was awarded the Cape Horners medal in 1970.