In memory of Captain John Roberts

Nautilus is offering its condolences on the death of Captain John Roberts, former chair of Nautilus Council and past member of the Nautilus Welfare Fund Committee.

Capt Roberts had been living at Mariners' Park since 2014. His health deteriorated after his wife passed away and he moved into the care home, where he was taken care of by our dedicated staff. He is survived by his daughter Alex.

A lifelong member of the Union with over 60 years in membership, Capt Roberts was elected to the Council of the MNAOA in 1977 and went on to become chair.

In his seagoing career Capt Roberts started out with Blue Star Line as a cadet at the age of 17. Later he joined the Cunard cargo fleet and also had a spell in the company’s passenger division, serving on the Sylvania and Queen Elizabeth. After gaining his master’s certificate in 1971, Capt Roberts joined Sealink Ferries operating out of Dover and was promoted to master in 1986. After more than a decade in command he was offered voluntary redundancy and in 1998 he retired. At that time, he joined the NUMAST Welfare Funds Management Committee, a position he held until 2010.

Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson said: 'I will remember Captain Roberts as a true gentleman with a laser-sharp mind, always fully prepared for meetings of the Committee. He was a passionate and loyal member of the Union and very proud to be one of the first residents to move into the Trinity House Hub when that was opened in April 2014.'