Newlyn Pier & Harbour Commissioners (NP&HC) have paid tribute to Andrew Munson, who was Newlyn Harbour Master for 34 years, from 1979 to 2013.

He first joined Newlyn Harbour as a trainee clerk in 1969 and was appointed Harbour Master and Clerk to the Commissioners ten years later.

During his tenure as Harbour Master, Andrew oversaw many major improvements at the Harbour, including the building of the Mary Williams Pier in 1980; its 90m extension and the first refurbishment of the Fish Market in 1988, and the installation of a pontoon system and enhanced slipway facilities in 2006.

He also hosted visits by Her Majesty the Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, HRH The Duke of Cornwall, The Prince of Wales and Diana, the late Princess of Wales.

In addition, Andrew was a founder member of both the South West Ports Association and the UK Harbour Masters’ Association.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Newlyn Harbour Master, Andrew Munson,” commented Chairman of Newlyn Harbour Commissioners, Robert Clifford-Wing. “It was my privilege to work with him in his later years as Harbour Master, firstly, in my role as a Commissioner and latterly as Vice Chair of the Board. Andrew was well-respected by all harbour users and navigated Newlyn Harbour through a major period of change in the fishing industry. My thoughts are with his wife, Carol and his family at this difficult time.”

Outgoing Harbour Master, Rob Parsons added: “As I prepare to leave Newlyn Harbour to take up the role of Harbour Master and Head of Harbour Authority and Services in Torbay, I am all too aware of the legacy that a Harbour Master leaves behind, and Andrew’s was significant. He was a larger-than-life character within the Newlyn Harbour community, a hands-on Harbour Master, a skilled boatman and a significant presence on the Harbour’s management team for more than three decades. I echo the Chairman’s sentiments in expressing my sincere condolences to Andrew’s widow, his family and friends. On his watch, a number of major developments took place that laid the foundation stones for the thriving port that exists today and we pay tribute to his contribution.”