On the 13^th November, a force eleven storm hit the Dutch coast, during the night. Reportedly a third of the countries trees were blown down. Also blown down was the Mi Amigo’s mast, and this was further compounded by the radio ship losing her anchor.

By the end of November, a makeshift aerial had been erected and tests restarted. A request for reception reports was made at frequent intervals, with the address given as PO Box 2448, The Hague, Holland. This saw around one thousand replies.

By 1st December 1972, the deejays on the Mi Amigo could not stand it any longer, and live test broadcasts were made with no name checks or station ID's being given out. In the middle of the month, the frequency was changed to 199 metres / 1520 Khz. On the 18^th, the station identified itself as Radio 199, and began programmes in Dutch and English. After dark it was impossible to hear the station in England, as a result of interference from other stations on the same frequency.

Andy Archer on the air

On opening at six in the morning on 22^nd December, the station finally announced itself as Radio Caroline. A new era of free radio broadcasting had begun.

Temporary aerial

Radio Caroline is alive - deejays and office staff