tugs for lakers

From: catherine
Location: toronto
Email:
Remote Name: 64.231.230.133
Date: 07/31/04
Time: 11:12:48 AM

Comments

From today's Globe and Mail. My question: how often are tugs used in the situation described below? Toronto -- I was taken back in time recently while watching an ancient laker named Canadian Provider make its way into the port of Toronto -- but it took me a while to realize it. The ship moved inexorably forward like a large and stoic elephant, heading for a berth in the eastern reaches of the harbour. As it swung slowly toward the wharf, I wondered where the tugboats were that usually nudge and worry a behemoth like this into position. Watching the tips of its monster propeller churn the muddy water, I thought, "It's going to hit the dock!" Then, with a rattling roar that caused every bird within earshot to take flight, the anchor let go and plunged into the water, liberating lengths of rusty chain. As the vessel crept slowly forward, the anchor and chain were carried under the keel to finally take hold, bringing Canadian Provider to a stop about two metres from the dock. A bystander explained that I had just witnessed a technique rarely seen any more due to modern docking technology. I stood in awe of this remarkable demonstration of seamanship and tip my hat to the unknown skipper who made my Saturday.