Rijeka - Krk

The torpedo was invented in Rijeka in 1866 to protect the coast. This is the testing launch station as it was built in the 1930s, now completely abandoned, beneath the former torpedo factory, which closed 1966. It was here that Robert Whitehead, working off Giovanni Luppis’ prototypes, created and launched the first successful torpedo. His fish-like machine revolutionized maritime military defenses. For 100 years, the factory churned out more than 30 different models. The site is hidden in an industrial area and not easy to find and access.

Torpedo Launch Station - 2

Torpedo Launch Station - 3

Rijeka - Croatia, Torpedo Launch Station, view from east

Torpedo Launch Station - 6

Torpedo Launch Station - 7

Torpedo Launch Station - 8, this rusty old mechanism reminds me of a crossbow......

Galeb was built 1938 in Genoa as the auxiliary cruiser Ramb III, destined for the banana trade between Africa and Italy. In 1943 it was taken over by the Germans and turned into a minelayer under the name Kiebitz. While in Rijeka it was sunk in 1944 by Allied aircraft. A shipsaving company from Split raised Kiebitz in 1948, after which it was taken to Pula where in 1952 it was reconstructed as a school ship of the Yugoslav Navy under the new name Galeb. President Tito then used the ship 27 years until his death for a total of 549 days, sailing 86062 nautical miles (159387 km) over the Adriatic and other seas on political missions. By Tito’s death, 102 world statesmen had stayed on Galeb. Galeb is 117 metres long and 15 metres wide with a displacement of 5754 tonnes. It is powered by two Fiat diesel engines of 7200 horsepower. The ship first came to international attention in March 1953 when it brought Tito from Yugoslavia to the River Thames, following the invitation from the British Government headed by Prime Minister Churchill. It was the first visit to United Kingdom of a communist head of state. Tito loved the glamour the yacht conferred on his regime. He used it for parties, foreign visits and diplomacy. World leaders entertained there included Nikita Khrushchev, Muammar Gaddafi and Indira Gandhi. Tito was particularly excited to welcome Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, who played Tito in the 1973 war epic "The Battle of Sutjeska". Read more about the very interesting history of this ship here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galeb_(yacht) Currently the ship should be restored and finished until 2020 when Rijeka will be cultural capital of Europe. Much work to do until then ;-)

Evening light - larger version as stitched pano. All efforts to get a permission to go on board failed. But next day we will go directly to the pier, at least.

The bridge in the foreground was a revolving one, stuck now. See PiP for another view.

Galeb reflecting in the so called "Dead Channel" of Rijeka.

see PiP's

see PiP