~ TUG BOAT NAMING COMPETITION ~

Congratulations to Leighton and Nick coming first and second respectively in the Tug Boat Naming Competition. Leighton chose the Roman Gods for her theme, naming the tugs Neptune, Odin, Triton, Thor and Vulcan, while Nick kept on with the heavenly bodies theme used previously adding Venus, Titan, Galaxy, Orion and Callisto.

As well as receiving a swag of goodies from Richard Cohen, HI's Manager of Port Operations, at a recent Assembly (and a mounted ship's bell, which has become Mr Biddiscombe's pride and joy) Leighton won for herself and her family, a cruise around the Harbour aboard the Pilbara Comet, one of the tugs soon to be "retired". Her lucky teacher was able to go along too!

Leighton's dad John, gave us a quick tour of the Port first, including a special glimpse of the robot Caspar, who shot out his long, articulated arm, picked up a bucket, twisted, turned and emptied it, all in the blink of an eye. We then joined the crew aboard the Comet, with Ian the Ship's Master, Bob and Colin, our gracious hosts. What followed was a particularly pleasant 90 minute cruise, finding out just what the tugs do and where.

The view from the Wheelhouse approaching the Korea Line.

Their sheer "grunt" is awesome (5000 HP) and they can literally turn on a threepenny bit.

We spent most of our time up in the Wheelhouse with Ian but were free to move around as we wished.

I asked Ian if he would miss Comet when the new tugs arrived and he admitted he would, being with her from her very beginning ten years ago. It was certainly a special day for Leighton and one that we all enjoyed immensely.

Leighton & Hayley in front of the ship's bell.

Thank you HI, the gracious crew of the Comet and Leighton and her very kind family. I had a beaut time!