St. Helena - A remote island in the Atlantic | DW Documentary

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  • Опубликовано: 27 окт 2017
  • Every third week, a British Royal Mail ship begins its journey from Cape Town to Saint Helena, the remote island in the Atlantic where Napoleon was once in exile.
    It’s like the end of the world in the middle of the Atlantic. Five days, with a northwesterly course, and only then do the sheer black cliffs appear in front of RMS St. Helena. The island’s 4500 residents are often waiting impatiently for the ship’s arrival and panic if the schedule changes. Director Thomas Denzel and his team went on the journey to Saint Helena and met the people living on the island. Many of the residents are descendants of people who were sent into exile there by the British crown - the most famous among them, the French Emperor Napoleon. This is a report about life at the end of the world, loneliness, unique vegetation, and a very special journey.
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Комментарии • 2,6 тыс.

  • @auditingthefrauditing9977
    @auditingthefrauditing9977 2 года назад +228

    People on these remote islands seem to be very happy and content with their lives. I really envy that.

    • @jeffclark5268
      @jeffclark5268 3 месяца назад

      Take away the government paid supply runs, let them start paying actual costs of living there, and then see how they feel about it.

    • @okwaleedpoetry
      @okwaleedpoetry 29 дней назад

      it's a video

  • @kimodeutschmann5237
    @kimodeutschmann5237 3 года назад +475

    I sailed there over 30 times from Cape Town as a yacht delivery captain and knew many of the locals.Such a wonderful life experience.I loved the local food especially the famous fish cakes and every time I moved on I would take a batch with me.Sad to think the ship will no longer operate.

    • @LilyGazou
      @LilyGazou 2 года назад +10

      Sounds like ideal work.

    • @Moose803
      @Moose803 2 года назад +2

      So you're that guy.

    • @leilagepte3677
      @leilagepte3677 2 года назад +1

      so if the ship cant operate wat iscthe mode of transpo?

    • @saringaclose
      @saringaclose 2 года назад +7

      @@leilagepte3677 it will be a fighter jet from ellon musk

    • @alicemayhew82
      @alicemayhew82 Год назад +1

      What did the cakes taste like?

  • @razelpaclauna1166
    @razelpaclauna1166 2 года назад +172

    Being a sailor for 26 years, i can feel her emotions. I miss the sea. But i need to change course, to be with my family.
    St. Helena is an island of dreams. Love this documentary.

    • @balkrishnachhetri8609
      @balkrishnachhetri8609 Год назад +2

      How to be a sailor as a mechanical engineer?

    • @tonyrandall3146
      @tonyrandall3146 Год назад +2

      @@balkrishnachhetri8609 boats probably

    • @Wangchung405
      @Wangchung405 Год назад

      I love you Razel. Terry and i are still doing brisket tonight if you want to come by.

    • @KSAx69
      @KSAx69 Год назад

      Long Live Napoleon Soul

  • @janvandemaas4148
    @janvandemaas4148 4 года назад +95

    At the age of 10 ( 1958 ) on our way from Cape Town to Southampton the boat stopped and anchored at St Helena . My 2 older brothers and me went ashore with a smaller boat.
    We climbed the 699 steps and visited Napoleons residents ( prison ) and stood in the room he died.
    Before the stop at St Helena the boat made a stop at “Ascension Island” and after St Helena the Canary islands “ las Palmas .
    Great memories !

    • @MomMom4Cubs
      @MomMom4Cubs 5 месяцев назад

      What an experience that must've been!

  • @lim8581
    @lim8581 6 месяцев назад +72

    The anticipation and isolation of Saint Helena Island come alive in this documentary. The resilience of its residents, many descended from exiles like Napoleon, is inspiring. Thanks to the documentary for revealing the unique world at the end of the Atlantic.

  • @fuzzle9392
    @fuzzle9392 3 года назад +342

    The RMS St. Helena. I feel something watching this documentary, mixed in with a certain degree of sadness. The last ever ship built in Aberdeen Scotland, after a long history of shipbuilding there. There is a fair portion of my soul, blood and sweat imbued into the very fabric of that ship. We were aware that this boat was most likely the end shipbuilding in Aberdeen. Hall Russell's (the yard had been privatised and had been renamed, but was still HR at its heart) was the last yard there to succumb to the fashion of de-industrialisation of major heavy industries in the UK and beyond, something that needn't have, nor should have happened.
    The ship was supposed to have been launched by Sarah Ferguson but for whatever reasons her husband, Prince Andrew launched it instead. I remember looking down at the top of his head. On Launch day, the folks that you see going down the slipway on a ship are not there for a "jolly" but have to go below into the darkness as soon as it hits the water, armed with torches and a large spanner to check all spaces, tanks etc below the water line for leaks and if necessary take the appropriate actions to stop any flooding should anything be discovered. Everything was checked prelaunch, but..........there is always a but......it would not the first time a new ship has been found taking on water. It was all clear.
    Anyway. It was good to see the ship still working and in good order even though it is now no longer serving in this role. I have good, if somewhat nostalgic, memories attached to being heavily involved in fabricating the steelwork of this ship, there were not so many of us left by the time this was being built.

    • @williamfulgham2010
      @williamfulgham2010 2 года назад +9

      Fuzzie, It looks like some International electric race car group has bought the ship and will be used to transport what they are calling Formula E, as in electric, to the various racing areas.

    • @bahoonies
      @bahoonies 2 года назад +26

      @Fuzzie Thanks for sharing your story of the building of the ship. A fascinating insight. It never occurred to me till now that the men on board during launching had an important job to do. I live by the sea and enjoy watching shipping. But behind every ship that passes are countless untold stories like yours.

    • @juliam.mallen3181
      @juliam.mallen3181 2 года назад +10

      Quite an informative an fascinating post on your personal intricate part in this historical documentary.. Thank you so much for your contribution!

    • @charlesparker2922
      @charlesparker2922 2 года назад

      P

    • @charlesparker2922
      @charlesparker2922 2 года назад

      Q

  • @garystefan3995
    @garystefan3995 3 года назад +14

    My grandmother is from St Helena. She left 70 years ago, still has her accent

  • @Pippins666
    @Pippins666 Год назад +119

    Wow! St Helena has changed dramatically since HMS Minerva anchored off Jamestown in 1970. Napoleon's house was largely empty of furniture, certainly not the grand tourist attraction it is now. The biggest surprise to me for such a small island was the contrast between a dry and barren edge and a constantly wet interior - it was the constant damp that leeched the arsenic from the green wallpaper (standard at the time) into the atmosphere that killed Napoleon. At the time the currency was the old British £SD - pounds shillings and pence, and the sailors used to scatter pennies for the urchins to scramble after. At one time my photo of Jamestown from the sea was the only picture of Jamestown on Wikipedia, but replaced with better ones a long time ago.
    A lovely island, and I treasure my memories of it. I hope it remains as unspoilt as it was 52 years ago.

    • @vanquishable7844
      @vanquishable7844 6 месяцев назад +7

      You must have alot of interesting stories

    • @sof5858
      @sof5858 6 месяцев назад

      I read he died of stomach cancer.

    • @Tinker1950
      @Tinker1950 2 месяца назад

      Arsenic is not volatile in air or water, therefore, the only way Napolean could have been poisoned by arsenical wallpaper (if indeed it was) would be by licking the walls.

  • @umedavk2011
    @umedavk2011 5 лет назад +843

    That was most interesting and enjoyable. I knew nothing about St. Helena except that Napolean got exiled there. Thanks for the education.

    • @faniefaze
      @faniefaze 5 лет назад +13

      And you should have heard the Boers were sent to St Helena (amongst other places) during the British War on the Boers (1899-1902), a war which has not ended because the British never honored the Peace treaty of Vereeniging, and Boers are still persecuted and murdered (kill the Boer) by the British today for their land, which the world think is the illegal British colony of Sick Africa, because there are resources.

    • @KIM-xl6zs
      @KIM-xl6zs 4 года назад +15

      Boers shouldn't have any rights, they stole the landa

    • @el-louise1886
      @el-louise1886 3 года назад +9

      @@KIM-xl6zs that is not a kind thing to say, I don't think you have any idea what suffering the boers had to encounter by the British.😡

    • @chadperreira9045
      @chadperreira9045 2 года назад

      P

    • @donbrashsux
      @donbrashsux 2 года назад +2

      I’ve learned something new today ..love youtube

  • @napoleonbonaparte1789_
    @napoleonbonaparte1789_ 2 года назад +72

    My father was a captain. We have traveled from Istanbul to Cape Town a lot. We visited more than 20 countries and my favorite city was Sao Paulo and Miami. I used to accompany my father on his journey. When he was 13, he went on a trip to the island of St Helena and I wanted to go with him. We had the opportunity to tour the island. It was wonderful to see the house where Napoleon spent his last years. I was in heaven for a week.

    • @henriettagibril6381
      @henriettagibril6381 11 месяцев назад +3

      How old was your father when you were born ? There seems to be an inconsistency in your post.

    • @napoleonbonaparte1789_
      @napoleonbonaparte1789_ 10 месяцев назад +4

      @@henriettagibril6381 My father is 24 years older than me. He was 37 when I was 13 in 2009. He's 51 now, I'm 27

    • @universalsubliminals1174
      @universalsubliminals1174 10 месяцев назад

      i think he meant "when i was 13", not when his father was 13@@henriettagibril6381

    • @henriettagibril6381
      @henriettagibril6381 9 месяцев назад +1

      @@napoleonbonaparte1789_ Ah That explains it. You went with him when YOU were 13 not when HE was 13.

    • @redlobster4841
      @redlobster4841 9 месяцев назад

      ​@@henriettagibril6381yup

  • @deirdrelewis1454
    @deirdrelewis1454 4 года назад +84

    Never ceases to amaze and amuse me that those of us in the Southern Hemisphere who speak English have ALL flattened the vowels. I was mistaken for an Australian frequently when I lived in England for a while. I’m from Cape Town.

    • @jeffbaxter8770
      @jeffbaxter8770 2 года назад +5

      IMO. Capetonians have one of the very best english accents.

    • @MomMom4Cubs
      @MomMom4Cubs 5 месяцев назад +3

      As an American, their accent is quite unusual to me. It's almost not English anymore but more like a patois in cadence and intonation.

  • @JCarter3000
    @JCarter3000 2 года назад +9

    It appears that 4 million people just found out about how awesome it is to visit St. Helena...Thanks DW Documentary!

  • @chrispascoe8116
    @chrispascoe8116 6 лет назад +295

    My ex-husband used to work on the RMS St Helena. he always said how beautiful the island was, now I can see it for myself.

    • @littlejimmy6324
      @littlejimmy6324 5 лет назад +22

      Can I be your new husband.

    • @ehinton4006
      @ehinton4006 5 лет назад +16

      Gulzar Malik you really can’t believe anything you read in a RUclips comment section. Probably had a girls name 11 months ago

    • @sjc7958
      @sjc7958 5 лет назад +1

      Seth sometimes it’s good to assume someone is

    • @zanderboy
      @zanderboy 5 лет назад +7

      i went here in 2011 with the royal navy, very strange but very cool place.

    • @LuckyLucky-xp2sz
      @LuckyLucky-xp2sz 5 лет назад

      @@zanderboy I am sure you are an Asian. " I went here"

  • @antoniopayanay5831
    @antoniopayanay5831 4 года назад +84

    Been on this beautiful Island a few times while working for Silversea Cruises,,we sail from Rio de Janiero, to Asencion island, St. Helenas, Walvis Bay and finally to Capetown.

  • @williamfulgham2010
    @williamfulgham2010 4 года назад +395

    R I P Captain Young, Bridge captain in this video who died unexpectedly about 3 years ago of a heart attack.

    • @mathonamoore123
      @mathonamoore123 3 года назад +27

      Time and tide, wait for no man.

    • @haydendunlap8143
      @haydendunlap8143 3 года назад +23

      Unexpected? The guy was obese

    • @williamfulgham2010
      @williamfulgham2010 3 года назад +14

      @@haydendunlap8143 True very true, but captain Young didn't expect it. Also, it looks like a lot of Saints are obese, as well, like the meteorologist at the met office near the airport.

    • @TheRoadtoFinalLight
      @TheRoadtoFinalLight 3 года назад +12

      Salute to the Captain

    • @ZemplinTemplar
      @ZemplinTemplar 3 года назад +12

      May he rest in peace.

  • @awatt1404
    @awatt1404 4 года назад +85

    Having been to St Helena on the RMS several times, this very enjoyable documentary brings back very fond memories, thank you!

  • @josiptumapa
    @josiptumapa 6 лет назад +353

    If I were to travel the world, places like these are the places I want to experience. Raw and beautiful.
    Not those usual (literally)on the map tourist spots.

    • @iasahmadaninurmariam6227
      @iasahmadaninurmariam6227 6 лет назад +2

      Josip Tumapa agreeeee

    • @Nirrrina
      @Nirrrina 6 лет назад +11

      I don't blame you for that I'd love it too.
      But I'd also want to see some of the world's greatest treasure even though I'd have to share with big crowds.
      I just wouldn't stay there long.
      Where as here they'd be lucky if I ever left.

    • @Q_QQ_Q
      @Q_QQ_Q 4 года назад

      What about the GeorgeTown a bit north of St Helena ? 🤣🤣😂😂

    • @abcdefc1645
      @abcdefc1645 3 года назад +2

      But they don’t want anyone to visit..

    • @peacelove6356
      @peacelove6356 3 года назад

      Hello Yosep

  • @garycampbell9986
    @garycampbell9986 6 лет назад +276

    I visited during Christmas in 1995! Had the absolute time of my life! I worked on Ascension and had many Saints working for me. A wonderful people in their own right. Hello St. Helena, Johnny and Whiskey and Bridigette, and Neville's family! Thank you forever for Jeffery and Sharon's wedding! And God Bless you May Murcury and hello to you Jason and Danny and Keddil, Dilly and Len,....... I remember you all fondly!

    • @megaselfie6334
      @megaselfie6334 6 лет назад +3

      just out curosity, does St Helena follows British Immigration rules?

    • @megaselfie6334
      @megaselfie6334 6 лет назад +2

      Proximity Symbol in some countries immigration laws varies from region to region. Like Hawaii and US immigration laws.

    • @priyadarsini9639
      @priyadarsini9639 6 лет назад +43

      I am checking this replies to see if any of your friends Johnny, Bridget, Whiskey etc have responded ☺️☺️. I hope they do.
      Is there internet access on the island?!

    • @abyp1883
      @abyp1883 5 лет назад +2

      priyadarsini, they are probably too bored to type

    • @mohamedhosini2103
      @mohamedhosini2103 5 лет назад

      Priyadarsini KL I’m wondering also 🤔

  • @10gsplus
    @10gsplus Год назад +18

    Spent a week there in 1988, beautiful place, wonderful people. A highlight in my life.

  • @larryfisher7056
    @larryfisher7056 3 года назад +50

    I visited there for a couple of weeks in 2019. Some of the most friendly people as a whole that I have ever been around. Two weeks of hiking, hanging out with the locals and watching cricket at the The Standard pub in Jamestown. Great time.

    • @sean2015
      @sean2015 2 года назад

      How much money and time did it take you to get there?

    • @larryfisher7056
      @larryfisher7056 2 года назад +6

      @@sean2015 i probably spent total about $10K . That includes business class flights to and from California.

    • @sean2015
      @sean2015 2 года назад +1

      @@larryfisher7056 😳 wow. You were a man on a mission.

    • @larryfisher7056
      @larryfisher7056 2 года назад +3

      @@sean2015 Totally worth every penny...

    • @chefjasco2601
      @chefjasco2601 2 года назад +1

      Will someone be able to get job over there?

  • @eisenjeisen6262
    @eisenjeisen6262 6 лет назад +247

    That was very, very interesting as an old sailor my self it brings back fond memories of the sea but i travel the Mediterranean after WW2 and thank you DW Documentary.

    • @southerneruk
      @southerneruk 6 лет назад +1

      I was lucky I think, I work on the BAS ships, so I got to see places where extremely few people have been.

    • @saswatibhattacharjee7387
      @saswatibhattacharjee7387 5 лет назад +7

      Hello Sir, nice to hear you. Be a sailor is a adventurous job. They have various experience to share. I wise to become a sailor and sail like a fish.

    • @prasenjitdey192
      @prasenjitdey192 5 лет назад +2

      @@saswatibhattacharjee7387 Follow your dreams with all your heart

    • @abhisekbhowmik4626
      @abhisekbhowmik4626 5 лет назад +1

      +Saswati Bhattacharjee Fish don't sail.

    • @mybrotherkeeper1484
      @mybrotherkeeper1484 2 года назад

      @@abhisekbhowmik4626 he’ll probably be home more that way. All the best to the young man, however.

  • @wallacerussell2258
    @wallacerussell2258 5 лет назад +126

    Privileged to have visited the island on the then RMS St Helena in 1982 and an honour to have met the crew of professionals who served her and us on our way South. Slainte.

    • @barbaraolson9288
      @barbaraolson9288 3 года назад +1

      Privileged to have visited the island on the then RMS St Helena in 1982 and an honour to have met the crew of professionals who served her and us on our way South. Slainte.

    • @MrJuampi40
      @MrJuampi40 3 года назад +1

      @@barbaraolson9288 were you going to the Falklands?

  • @8830chris
    @8830chris 2 года назад +8

    St. Helena and the Ascension Islands are the most beautiful places I've visited. My kind of paradise. Very fortunate to have the privilege.

  • @andym2131
    @andym2131 2 года назад +9

    Island life,I miss the island I grew up on,it was a simple life, but every day was amazing,I wish these people all the best,would love to visit one day.

  • @l.ls.8890
    @l.ls.8890 5 лет назад +31

    My mother lived there off and on for some 10 years. She often complained that you had to leave the island by law and after a period of time apply to return.

  • @madinmex
    @madinmex 6 лет назад +19

    Visited in the mid 60's and was hugely impressed with the warmth of the locals. Quite often the conversation was centered on a visit by the Queens visit some years earlier.

    • @timurermolenko2013
      @timurermolenko2013 3 года назад +3

      How cool it was to be British back then! Did you travel there or serve?

  • @DMINISHED9
    @DMINISHED9 Месяц назад +1

    I just want to say thank you, this video puts me to sleep in the best way ever for years!

  • @waverider227
    @waverider227 4 года назад +6

    ST Helena Island once had a Shortwave radio station called Radio St Helena that made special broadcasts on the shortwave band from their island once every 2 years or so around Nov 7 back in 2006 i made a phone call to the island from Florida (cost a whopping $40 for ten minutes)_ and the announcer asked if i wanted to go live on the air so i said YES and I had a minidisc recorder connected to my shortwave radio to record the broadcast through the static i later heard my phone call and it was a really special day that day, LAter on I got an Email confirmation of my call and they later sent me a station sticker and s postcard signed by the station broadcast engineer confirming my reception . Unfortunately a few years later they decided to shut down and dismantle the station sadly it is now only a memory. Thanks to the people of St. Helena for making this possible I hope one day Shortwave radio may return to the air from there or I can make a visit to your island! Cheers ! George Clement KF4ZKU Keystone Heights Florida.

    • @alext8020
      @alext8020 4 месяца назад

      Are you autistic by any chance

  • @Lenoch_
    @Lenoch_ 6 лет назад +820

    They have such an interesting accent. Similar to South African, English (clearly) and at times, even American.

    • @BelloBudo007
      @BelloBudo007 5 лет назад +68

      A very good video, thank you. I found the accent interesting too. I thought some of them sounded somewhat like people who have lived on Islands off New Zealand and Australia, such as Norfolk Island [descendants of 'Mutiny on the Bounty' type folk], who even today retain some of their quaint expressions from years gone bye.

    • @andyr0ck
      @andyr0ck 5 лет назад +37

      I hear a little tinge of something that sounds almost Welsh in there too.

    • @flemhawker9134
      @flemhawker9134 5 лет назад +1

      Michael Lenoch b

    • @F0nkyNinja
      @F0nkyNinja 5 лет назад +17

      Matt Olsson, the radio guy sounds like he's from Sweden.

    • @jimmykrimmer5506
      @jimmykrimmer5506 5 лет назад +1

      something something accent

  • @mike8839
    @mike8839 5 лет назад +37

    I had the privilege of sailing as 3rd mate on the St Helena on her maiden voyage to the island, I was lucky enough to stay on the island whilst she sailed off to Cape Town and had the opportunity to meet many people there who made so welcome, it really is a magical place with the friendliest of people I have ever met on my world travels. I hope one day to return and find the many kind people I was once honoured to call my friends.

    • @mybrotherkeeper1484
      @mybrotherkeeper1484 2 года назад +4

      I hope you do, too. I have similar sentiments regarding a place I spent 2-1/2 years. We’ll see…but my life is full regardless.

  • @bryangayo4292
    @bryangayo4292 3 года назад +34

    The island, the people, the accent - all lovely. I want to visit this island.

  • @susannegoetze457
    @susannegoetze457 2 года назад +10

    Spend half a year there and enjoyed being the only tourist. Guess I hiked down all the amazing fisherman's paths into the lonely bays. A dream come true. Never saw such a bedazzling night sky again.

  • @StephiSensei26
    @StephiSensei26 2 года назад +7

    It's so rewarding to find these little gems of DW, just waiting for me to discover them. A fascinating program about a fascinating place, which I may never have the opportunity to visit, if it weren't for DW's programing. I'd of course heard about St. Helena, and Bonaparte's banishment to it, but wasn't certain just "where" it was. Well, there you are, mystery solved. He started on an island, and he ended up on one. Thanks DW.

    • @DWDocumentary
      @DWDocumentary  2 года назад +2

      Thanks a lot for watching and for your positive feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to comment and are glad you like our content!

  • @carienmoffat1797
    @carienmoffat1797 2 года назад +8

    My grandmother, Rosemary Clarke, was also from St Helena. Hope to go there soon

  • @PushyPawn
    @PushyPawn 4 года назад +310

    So they only checked if wind conditions were suitable After they built the airport?
    Clever.

    • @Bulletguy07
      @Bulletguy07 4 года назад +9

      @Freddie Mercury.....crazy eh? Someone messed up big time on that!!

    • @papapetad
      @papapetad 4 года назад +15

      No doubt some people made a lot of money off that "mistake". I suspect it was the primary concern.

    • @williamfulgham2010
      @williamfulgham2010 4 года назад +12

      @Reinier Jacobus of course Elba was his first exile destination, but since it was not very far from the mainland in the Mediterranean, he was able to round up a force and go at it again and then was defeated at Waterloo. His final forced exile on Saint Helena was impossible for him to escape from. He lived for about 6 years and then it was said he died of stomach cancer, but the age-old question still remains, was he poisoned with arsenic? The 200 year old argument was reignited several years ago when his hair analysis from a sample that was from the Paris Museum indicates a strong concentration of arsenic.

    • @gteixeira
      @gteixeira 3 года назад +13

      I don't think they had any choice regarding that. The terrain there is really hilly and they probably didn't have any option.

    • @insectbite1714
      @insectbite1714 3 года назад +1

      @@Bulletguy07 u

  • @aidy6000
    @aidy6000 3 года назад +5

    Interesting to listen to St helenans & people from Tristan da cuhna. They present an accent that comes accross as a missing link between old British, American & southern hemisphere accents. Fascinating

  • @paulbutterworthbillericay
    @paulbutterworthbillericay 5 лет назад +40

    Spent time on Ascension Island working on the Runway, and Power Station, very interesting being so islolated, can understand young wanting to leave

  • @benthejrporter
    @benthejrporter 4 года назад +4

    St Helena has changed forever. Very sad to lose the wonderful RMS.

  • @ZoeyCLR78
    @ZoeyCLR78 4 года назад +410

    It's an introverts paradise. I'd like to go there. 😊

    • @cinakakar197
      @cinakakar197 4 года назад +10

      True
      I wish I lived on st Helena

    • @HenryDube72
      @HenryDube72 4 года назад +16

      I think places like that are only good to go when you are seeking peace of mind.

    • @robertoaguiar8082
      @robertoaguiar8082 3 года назад +2

      Yes! I would love to live in a place like that

    • @Froggability
      @Froggability 3 года назад +20

      It's guessing it's more social than like London

    • @charlesworkman2772
      @charlesworkman2772 3 года назад +2

      Amen to that statement! Peace and quiet!

  • @davidcole5979
    @davidcole5979 3 года назад +13

    One of the few places in the world you can go and discover yourself.

  • @suhailshafi
    @suhailshafi 5 лет назад +43

    I think St Helens is a fascinating and beautiful place. Thank you for this remarkable documentary !

    • @timwrigley8573
      @timwrigley8573 4 года назад +3

      Nobody mentioned st Helens glass or the rugby

    • @thursoberwick1948
      @thursoberwick1948 2 года назад +1

      St Helena. St Helen's is by Liverpool.

  • @misplacedkiwi9498
    @misplacedkiwi9498 3 года назад +15

    I live in Southern England and my sons friends mum comes from St Helena. I was honoured to meet someone from St Helena!
    She moved to England as a teenager.

  • @bruceclark6476
    @bruceclark6476 2 года назад +6

    Was fortunate to visit the island on our sailboat on a passage from South Africa to the Caribbean. Incredible place and lovely people.

  • @SuperParatech
    @SuperParatech 4 года назад +3

    Strange that 750 people gave this a thumbs down. What could possibly have been that contentious?

  • @runine114
    @runine114 4 года назад +101

    considering my introverted personality this is such a perfect place for me.

    • @beccaminkin8399
      @beccaminkin8399 4 года назад +24

      did you miss the part about how everyone on the island will try to know you?

    • @runine114
      @runine114 4 года назад +6

      Becca Minkin Hmmm sad part...but atlest the mountains and the vast valley and awesome view is just a few steps away. I feel like I could escape anytime.

    • @JeremySeanHector
      @JeremySeanHector 4 года назад +2

      @@beccaminkin8399 lol fair point

    • @gahorie1
      @gahorie1 4 года назад

      Hahahahahaahahahaha

    • @annaathirah8745
      @annaathirah8745 4 года назад

      Me too 😅

  • @rext8949
    @rext8949 5 лет назад +9

    DW is excellent as usual.Helena is beautiful , brooding and mysterious.Apart from its most famous historical resident it's the resting place of so many other souls ,many who had to involuntarly settle down here. It's a chilling thought really to consider that once you landed here there was no going back in the old days.

  • @Zvabaz
    @Zvabaz 4 года назад +9

    Those accents! Unique and familiar at the same time.

  • @dudleyrjoa
    @dudleyrjoa Месяц назад +2

    Absolutely fascinating. Makes the northern hemisphere "civilization" seem like another world. The documentary presented by several young Women is very informative. I detect a definite St.Helena accent, a blend of British & South African; definitely not 'American' style, and quite refreshing. Long live St.Helena and its straightforward residents! Thank you so much.

  • @angelobugini6771
    @angelobugini6771 5 лет назад +54

    St. Helena, a remote island in Atlantic is an astonishing documentary! I truly did appreciate it so much. Thanks a lot for sharing! Keep it up!

    • @kamilalambert1802
      @kamilalambert1802 Год назад +1

      In the Czech Republic EU lives the man who was born at this island.Perhaps someone wants to greet him or get in touch with him....

  • @mohitarorasocool
    @mohitarorasocool 5 лет назад +1590

    "We do not want McDonald's on every other corner." You said it, sir.

    • @cashondeliver
      @cashondeliver 5 лет назад +40

      Mohit arora i never seen a McDonald’s on every corner but I have seen a liquor store

    • @alexysq2660
      @alexysq2660 4 года назад +11

      ...Nor a Nando's; there's no "sneakin' off for a cheeky Nando's" on St Helena then ({; D ...!

    • @yobingsaurora755
      @yobingsaurora755 4 года назад +3

      Exactly, that struck me as well.

    • @davidcross701
      @davidcross701 4 года назад +4

      No work then.

    • @JPMJPM
      @JPMJPM 4 года назад +14

      Ezra Borg Maybe there are restaurants out of people’s homes? Little romantic bistros, maybe, that seat 6-10 people?

  • @M.Moadeli123
    @M.Moadeli123 3 года назад +3

    I'm a Londoner. My bestie was a Saint and I got familiarised with their community here in UK and I have a huge fascination for the island.

  • @ChangesOneTim
    @ChangesOneTim Год назад +7

    Great video. I can imagine how the airport project must have divided Helenians, some saying "be careful what you wish for". Let's hope that things are not simply left to tourism market forces, so that the island stays very special.

  • @okidoke4822
    @okidoke4822 4 года назад +67

    The first "attempt" at landing was a deliberate fly-by, while the second pass encountered some wind sheer hence the go-around for the third "attempt".

    • @bhekinyoni2775
      @bhekinyoni2775 2 года назад

      I think its normal procedure when landing at a new airport to fly-by with gear up, fly-by with gear down and then the landing, l might be wrong though

    • @okidoke4822
      @okidoke4822 2 года назад +1

      @@bhekinyoni2775 yes you are wrong. I've landed at many airports without a need for a fly-by first, as do most pilots, otherwise there would be way too many planes flying around airports.

    • @bhekinyoni2775
      @bhekinyoni2775 2 года назад +2

      But maybe you missed the part where l said new airport

    • @okidoke4822
      @okidoke4822 2 года назад +1

      @@bhekinyoni2775 well, maybe I did, but the principles of coming in to land are the same each time, so really there isn’t a need to do a fly by. Airstrips are designed to certain standards and anyway, when I land at a airstrip I haven’t been to before, it’s still new to me, but I just use the principles I have learned to land there. If it becomes hazardous, then there are procedures to follow.

  • @musicmichi007
    @musicmichi007 3 года назад +24

    This is amazing! My great grandfather is from here and I see my family in them. So beautiful to have been able to see this

  • @allandavis8201
    @allandavis8201 2 года назад +9

    That is one island that I would have loved to visit, but the closest I got was Ascension and the Falkland Islands, Tristan-de-Cuna would have been on my list as well. This documentary shows just how you can live and work happily in such a remote location and be happy as well.

  • @Tararsupport
    @Tararsupport 3 года назад +204

    I would like to visit this place

    • @TheRoadtoFinalLight
      @TheRoadtoFinalLight 3 года назад +5

      Me too. By boat.

    • @torabika6599
      @torabika6599 3 года назад +2

      Ce montagne volcano, ce bien Conny Du Monde..

    • @nickyg4776
      @nickyg4776 3 года назад +4

      Well your in good company napoleon stayed there for free courtesy of the British empire

    • @rheinhartsilvento2576
      @rheinhartsilvento2576 2 года назад +1

      @@nickyg4776 Indeed.
      After having destroyed Europe and bankrupted France courtesy of the grande armée 😁

    • @nickyg4776
      @nickyg4776 2 года назад

      @@rheinhartsilvento2576 Waterloo = karma

  • @carlybishop6160
    @carlybishop6160 3 года назад +64

    This is so weird watching. I travelled on the RMS At Helena when I was 7 years old in 1997. The boat seemed so big to me at the time. I still have my certificate for blowing the horn. We used the trip as a way to return to the UK having lived in Botswana for 7 years. We did the full journey from Cape Town to Cardiff. It is now parked in just off Weymouth and Portland. Funnily enough that is where my parents have retired to now.

  • @toddchuck5221
    @toddchuck5221 4 года назад +4

    A nice way to see how an island is able to pull in many different types of people socially and professionally. It gives them an all round service throughout the entire year.

  • @md.tawhid-al-azad5070
    @md.tawhid-al-azad5070 9 месяцев назад +3

    One of the best documentaries by DW.

  • @kimodeutschmann5237
    @kimodeutschmann5237 4 года назад +3

    I sailed there many times...a wonderful place..lots of good memories.Such nice people.

  • @georgemartin4963
    @georgemartin4963 5 лет назад +169

    St. Helena is now accessible by air.

    • @frankroso2278
      @frankroso2278 3 года назад +2

      really ?

    • @dopeytripod
      @dopeytripod 3 года назад +10

      @@frankroso2278 watch Sailing SV Delos episode 155 called "Hey Babe you wanna go for a ride?!?! Sailing Vessel Delos" about 5 minutes in it shows the airport. At the time that was shot no airplane landed there yet but now there have been a few since. great vid to watch

    • @raynkosi
      @raynkosi 3 года назад +6

      @@frankroso2278 The South African based airline called Airlink flies there

    • @harlansanders7938
      @harlansanders7938 2 года назад +3

      @@dopeytripod I follow Delos adventures too and completely forgot about this ! i had to start at ep.150 to have a lead up to it but it was still great to watch again! Thanks for the info!

  • @28ebdh3udnav
    @28ebdh3udnav 5 лет назад +91

    I'm going to visit that island one day. Its on my bucktlist.

  • @georgejessop9860
    @georgejessop9860 4 года назад +7

    When I was a boy from 1943 to 1954 (just before Hurricane Carol hit), we went to Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard for the summer. Part of the fun of going was the ferry ride. It was the time machine that made the transition from 'something to do every minute' city life to 'nothing much to do' island life. Swimming and diving off the second bridge, fishing off the jetty, crabbing under the first bridge, biking over the entire island, boating (in the harbor only), chasing the fire engines and meeting the ferry were the daily events.
    On the island was a man who had grown up on St. Helena as the son of a whaling ship captain. His stories of the island, the staircase to the top of the island, the ships coming and going and his own going to sea at sixteen as a cabin boy on a whaling ship were documented in his book "Sails and Whales" by Harry Allen Chippendale. In his retirement years after his years as a Merchant Marine captain, he owned the 'pay beach' as we called it, where for a dime, you had a sandy beach, dressing rooms and a snack bar to spend the days swimming and diving off the private pier. The required one hour rest after lunch was spent listening to Captain Harry's stories of his youth and his St. Helena island.
    When Hurricane Carol struck the island, everything changed. The Pay Beach disappeared, literally, wiped clean off the map by the storm. The Steamship Authority pier disappeared as well, as did most of the waterfront piers and yachts. The yachts ended up impaled on those pier pilings. The island charm is still there; the summer venues, the gingerbread houses, the main street walk after dinner, the steamship pier is smaller now and so is the ship (diesel powered), the "Flying Horses" merry-go-round, the Island theater. It would be a nice place to retire. I'm not ready, yet.
    I love the internet travel to all the 'bucket list' places I wanted to go, but couldn't afford to in my adult life. I can go to St. Helena by boat, traveling in a way that makes the transition to island life gradually, with the sea air and the ship movement lulling me into the island pace of life, one more time.

  • @juliea7016
    @juliea7016 4 года назад +49

    Love this documentary of my home! ❤️

    • @AhmedSalah-gl9ri
      @AhmedSalah-gl9ri 3 года назад +1

      Its my dream to live into Saint Helena.

    • @globalcaregivertv8994
      @globalcaregivertv8994 2 года назад

      @@AhmedSalah-gl9ri Me too ✋

    • @garycampbell4824
      @garycampbell4824 2 года назад

      Hi julie! Any chance you might know of Jason Mercury or possibly the family of Neville or Earl Hearn?
      I think it was xmas 95 i was there had a bunch of Saints working...Speegle,
      Theyd all smile if they heard my name.
      Went to the clubs!!!
      Wild!!! Fun!!! Girls!!!
      I didnt know where to put my face! Wonderful!

    • @chefjasco2601
      @chefjasco2601 2 года назад

      I will love to travel to Saint Helena... I love everything about Saint Helena

    • @mybrotherkeeper1484
      @mybrotherkeeper1484 2 года назад +1

      How do you get your goods now, Julie, if you don’t mind the asking? How’s the island doing, in your opinion, if I may ask?

  • @CENTURION-xs6ky
    @CENTURION-xs6ky 5 лет назад +28

    Many thanks to the people of St. Helena for all their hard work and making the lives of thousands of British service men and woman in The Falkland Islands much easier. I enjoyed meeting these hard working, honest and friendly people and learned much about their home Island and our countries shared history. Thank you, from an old squaddie.
    Great video thank you.

  • @techElephant
    @techElephant 4 года назад +16

    We left part of our hearts 'on island' in 2016 when we visited - cannot wait to return at some stage. God bless all you Saints over there and around the world.

  • @hithamthabet7777
    @hithamthabet7777 3 года назад +3

    I think DW channels are the best channels in the world

    • @DWDocumentary
      @DWDocumentary  3 года назад +2

      Hi @Hitham Thabet! Thank you for watching, we're glad you like our content :)

  • @MrMiniCooper79
    @MrMiniCooper79 4 года назад +8

    I love the Austin Mini (VINTAGE)driving by What a remote place for spare parts.

    • @HeleSha
      @HeleSha 3 года назад +1

      Mini's run forever, no need for spare parts🤣😂🤣😂

  • @tugadmundo
    @tugadmundo 6 лет назад +736

    at 5.10 the comentator says that time is passed in a very british way, I immediatly thought that she was going to say DRINKING .

    • @jjamo5
      @jjamo5 5 лет назад +5

      lol

    • @andrewlongworth
      @andrewlongworth 5 лет назад +27

      Antonio Leitao finish the sentence, DRINKING TEA!!!!

    • @KandiKlover
      @KandiKlover 5 лет назад +4

      That's Irish.

    • @dessievarma9594
      @dessievarma9594 5 лет назад +3

      Antonio Leitao i was thinking the same

    • @gonorrheabreath3774
      @gonorrheabreath3774 5 лет назад +4

      Antonio Leitao I expected tea and crumpets... or something like that.

  • @littletraveller5428
    @littletraveller5428 4 года назад +56

    I love these type of films that take you away to a far off place. Thank you.
    I wish I was still young and able to do adventures like this. Such a shame a titan of history like Napoleon was relegated to spend his last years castaway on such a bleak and remote island.

    • @jeffyoung60
      @jeffyoung60 Год назад +2

      That's why Napoleon should have stayed on Elba to begin with. It was a lot nicer.

  • @Obvioustroller
    @Obvioustroller 3 года назад +5

    Their accents are all over the place, love it!

  • @Archiejamio
    @Archiejamio 3 года назад +7

    Its beautiful, I wanna visit one day....it looks like some of the Caribbean island... And the rocky mountain reminds me of cape town....
    Love from,
    Nagaland India.

  • @the3spirit
    @the3spirit 5 лет назад +9

    Thank you so much for making this documentary. Definitely on my genuine bucket list for life. XOXO ;)

  • @scottbrettschneider9782
    @scottbrettschneider9782 6 лет назад +273

    The British government invested far more than 3 million pounds to develop and construct the airport, according to Wikipedia it has cost in excess of 285 million pounds. The first commercial landing of the 737 didn't attempt and fail 2 times before finally landing, it is typical to make a couple of approaches before finally landing when flying into a new airport like this one. The first practice approach to the airport was with gear up, the second was a gear down practice approach and on the third they landed quite normally. Nicely done, I enjoyed watching.. Thanks!

    • @carolinabeacher1558
      @carolinabeacher1558 5 лет назад +12

      i learned of st helena watching sv delos, they walked up to the airport, it looks scary as they get.

    • @rayhasse2818
      @rayhasse2818 5 лет назад +1

      Scott Brettis

    • @lorenzomagazzeni5425
      @lorenzomagazzeni5425 5 лет назад +3

      3 million pounds - what a joke.

    • @southjerseysound7340
      @southjerseysound7340 5 лет назад +8

      The winds are in fact a problem and say what you like there's a reason why only limited flights are allowed. It's so severe that only a few pilots are certified to fly there and its under a lot of restrictions.

    • @BobiR-bl9fc
      @BobiR-bl9fc 5 лет назад +1

      Are you a native English speaker ?..I ve written two pages about smart homes and self powered technology so I need help to fix it

  • @elizabethfairlie8296
    @elizabethfairlie8296 Год назад +4

    Thankyou for sharing this wonderful Doco. Really enjoyed hearing the feeling the residents have snout their home and their connectedness to each other. Long may your peace last. Hopefully the airport will bring tourists and supplies in a managed way. Thankyou again

    • @DWDocumentary
      @DWDocumentary  Год назад

      Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Be sure to check out our channel for more content.

  • @billmcg1676
    @billmcg1676 2 года назад +5

    Always enjoy the DW documentaries - different from most, well told

  • @nicolasessongue
    @nicolasessongue 6 лет назад +6

    I love the way you do documentary. For me you are the best. Thank you DW.

  • @RockoBonilla
    @RockoBonilla 5 лет назад +130

    The RMS St Helena has now been decommissioned and will no longer be running a service to St Helena, the island bid farewell to her on Friday, 9 February 2018, she set sail on her final voyage to Cape Town on Saturday, 10 February having served the island for 27 years. Apparently the only way to travel there is by owning your own vessel or taking a flight there which leaves South Africa and stops in Namibia for refuel.

    • @salvaje20
      @salvaje20 5 лет назад +5

      wow, someone can copy and paste from wikipedia.

    • @TimSmyth23
      @TimSmyth23 5 лет назад +38

      salvaje20 - Wow! Maybe people know these things without having to browse Wikipedia! Like I did. You are so rude.

    • @boutek
      @boutek 5 лет назад +6

      @@salvaje20 He hasn't copied it from Wiki. I did though and took the time to read the whole page.

    • @4444colin
      @4444colin 5 лет назад +16

      Sad that the boat is gone.

    • @dadt8009
      @dadt8009 5 лет назад +9

      A freight ship, M/V Helena, handles all freight to the island (some express mail is transported by air). It sails from Cape Town to Saint Helena and Ascension Island, from the beginning of 2018. It uses a wharf at Ruperts Bay which was built to assist the airport construction.

  • @tedsmith3061
    @tedsmith3061 Год назад +3

    Superb story. Superb production. Bon voyage captain.

  • @spickie31
    @spickie31 3 года назад +1

    I have been there on a ship bringing fuel and took the mail in our journey to South Africa. Amazing experience. Nice to see it again

  • @kevintaylor1928
    @kevintaylor1928 5 лет назад +6

    Good job! Never even heard of this island before I saw your video, well done!

  • @freaker126
    @freaker126 6 лет назад +23

    if you're an introvert person, this kind of island is like heaven. the relative peace and quiet and just minding your own business. I'll love to live or retire in such places. It'll be a great place for a getaway or holiday.

    • @prolefeed9371
      @prolefeed9371 4 года назад +18

      You've got that wrong. The city is the place for an introvert. Small town life demands far more interaction. In the big city noone would notice you.

    • @TheEchoingPen
      @TheEchoingPen 3 года назад

      THIS IS MY HEAVEN

    • @marknewton6984
      @marknewton6984 9 месяцев назад

      @@prolefeed9371 Very true.

    • @user-vu7rv1xf1l
      @user-vu7rv1xf1l 8 месяцев назад +4

      ​@@prolefeed9371I don't agree, I am an introvert & have lived in both very rural small villages & London. I'm actually from London, but I much prefer rural life. As an introvert I hate the crowds & finding nowhere free of people to relax. Whereas bumping into a friendly local isn't so bad.

  • @peterfeltham8065
    @peterfeltham8065 4 года назад +7

    DW are doing a very good job with these educational and interesting programmes.

  • @grahamwride1240
    @grahamwride1240 6 лет назад +23

    A great video .... tks for posting.

    • @japanlovely8177
      @japanlovely8177 6 лет назад +3

      learning such a great information about St Helena

  • @erich1070
    @erich1070 6 лет назад +93

    This is beautiful DW.

  • @Happyfaceshock
    @Happyfaceshock 4 года назад +6

    Apparently, I almost ended up living here. My mum is a solicitor, and there was an opportunity to move here as they needed a lawyer (for whatever reason). Apparently they came very close to saying yes, but in the end thought it would be bad for me and my sister, and also their parents were not long to die, so wanted to be here to say goodbye etc. It would've been one hell of a change of lifestyle, being on a tiny island like that away from everything. I remember one of the biggest issues I had with it was that the wifi signal would apparently be awful.

    • @lintonNZ
      @lintonNZ 4 года назад

      Lies

    • @sevenfifty-fiveasmr444
      @sevenfifty-fiveasmr444 4 года назад +1

      Yes, internet is slow and very expensive. It’s still satellite dial-up! We have many solicitors / lawyers that come on short term contracts. We have a legal system and a prison!

    • @mybrotherkeeper1484
      @mybrotherkeeper1484 2 года назад

      For me, if our kids lived in Siberia I’d stay there. BUT we’d love to visit if we could safely make the trip.

  • @waynehasch5978
    @waynehasch5978 3 года назад +3

    Internet has destroyed my attention span. But this was so interesting I was engrossed until the end. Thank you Deutsche Welle.

    • @DWDocumentary
      @DWDocumentary  3 года назад

      Hi @Wayne Hasch,
      Glad to hear the documentary kept you hooked until the end. Thanks for watching and commenting!
      Best,
      The DW Documentary Team

  • @amberbranks4209
    @amberbranks4209 6 лет назад +6

    I want on that ship! Very nice! The horn is something else!

  • @srinivasvaranasi1645
    @srinivasvaranasi1645 5 лет назад +43

    The solitude is part of the charm. The airport limits that. What a nice place anyway.

  • @MrVicky12345678
    @MrVicky12345678 4 года назад +2

    This is gonna be one of my dream destination,,I jus fell in love with this island..I wish I go there sometime....

  • @flamerusell8722
    @flamerusell8722 2 года назад +2

    Wow..its amazing remote island..cants say anything but just wow..hope there airport will be restored and completely function so all tours will easily can access them.. beautiful island

  • @faizanqureshi2982
    @faizanqureshi2982 4 года назад +3

    Waow what a place... life is too short to adventure all this.... lots of peace there

  • @lawrencedesmondleach
    @lawrencedesmondleach 5 лет назад +124

    this was a really cool video I stumblied upon. It was also very calming and relaxing to watch. L

    • @ericaran8628
      @ericaran8628 4 года назад +4

      can't agree more! Also the narrator's voice is soothing, I am fascinated by this island now, I hope it won't be disturbed, don't understand why building an airport when most of the inhabitants don't want it.

    • @americanwildlife-ongvathoa6605
      @americanwildlife-ongvathoa6605 2 года назад

      @@ericaran8628 You remind me of Taos, New Mexico

  • @kirt121
    @kirt121 4 месяца назад +1

    My grandparents were born here and moved to the uk around 1950 ish. I hope to travel there in the near future and discover a part of my family heritage

  • @bonganimiya1310
    @bonganimiya1310 4 года назад +4

    Thanks so much. It feels like I belong right there - actually furthest into the centre. As long as I have my wife, kids, mom and dad and a couple of friends, DSTV and peace.

  • @oneworld9071
    @oneworld9071 6 лет назад +16

    NO WAY....... I never imagined it'd be worth a look for an island so incredibly far out in the Atlantic...!!! This is a superb stumble-upon gem. Replete with the accounts of former inhabitants on this very page :)
    The water depth out there must be a few miles (?). It's not always about the depth but the distance to shore that matters, but what a spot to live on when the hurricanes hurl across from the western African coastline.
    Excellent video, much thanks for sharing it.

    • @jerry85g7
      @jerry85g7 5 лет назад +2

      I still rather live in the Caribbean

  • @summerrain5341
    @summerrain5341 4 года назад +8

    Awesome! So very interesting and quite remarkable. Would like to have viewed more of the town, but thankyou.😉

  • @januarydeodate5694
    @januarydeodate5694 3 года назад +3

    Amazing place. Had been there just once. Did climb the Jacobs Ladder, which unfortunately wasn't mentioned in this documentary even after just being there beside the port.

  • @meghdirlynda5366
    @meghdirlynda5366 2 года назад +2

    I lived there happily for nearly a year and it was fun and people so friendly

  • @andrewsim9180
    @andrewsim9180 5 лет назад +3

    I love the music backing-track part - your rendition of Marc Bolan's 1966 Hippy Gumbo track. Great stuff!! It complemented the mystical-lost-in-time feel of the island, that the visual footage engenders. Wonderbah! Danke for this lovely Saint Helena video - a lovely special place.