Auke Visser´s Esso UK Tanker's site | home
Special voyage
A special voyage started at January 8 th, 1953, a tow with the British tanker "Esso Fawley"
struggling with rudder damage from Port Said by the British Navy tug "Marauder" to Bari, Italy.
It proved a difficult voyage for this tow. The tug suffered an engine problem.
The Dutch tug "Hudson" near in the Mediterranean, was asked to assist this transport.
About this help, the captain and the second mate, form the "Esso Fawley", made the following "Ode".
An ode to the two tugs,
The "Esso Fawley" was in a plight
she lost her melder one dreary night
They dragged her protest in g to Port Said
And there slie lay with shame bowed head
She cried "oh help my steps do jalter"
Her cries were heard in far of Malia
Where a Chrismas party had heen planncd
By "Marauder" and her merry band.
The captain cried it is a shame
But we must go there just the same
To help this tanker on her way
We sail from here on Boxing day.
She arnved at Port Said with ensign flying
And there perceived the tanker lying
An easy job the commander said
l doubt if I'll nced to leave my bed.
How false these words proved to be
Once he had dragged that barge to sea
He found the Old Girl would not behave
But answered the whim of wind and wave.
After days and nights of weary toil
The "Marauder" finally ran out of oil
and like the Virgïns with no light
She herself was in a plight.
Come imto me the "Fawley" said
And l shall give you oil and bread
Your broken piston we wili repair
Lift up your hearts, do not despair.
Next day the "Fawley" hoisted sail
To hold her head up from the gale
The master said alas I fear
The Adriatic now draws near
Another tug I shall demand
To keep my ship off Stalin's land
The "Hudson" of this plight did hear
And said 'Fear not I'll soon be near'.
The "F" and "M" sais hip hooray
The Flying Dutchman is on his way
With his assistance we'll have nought to fear
To approach the land as we drawe near.
With these two friends we did not tarry
And soon we arrived in far off Bari
And there we all did get together
And cursed our luck with wind and weather.
This is an ode made on the spot
It may be good or it may not
But thank you "Marauder" and "Hudson" together
For bringing us safely through such weather.
We discharged our oil in the town of Bari
And having no longer an excuse to tarry
With the "Hudson" aft and the "Marauder" to fore
We continued our voyage to Pal-ermo.
The first two days the weather was fair
Old Neptune was caught asleep in his lair
The "Marauder" ahead was as pleased as could be
To see the behaviour of the "Esso Fawley".
The "Hudson" astern like a chick in the brood
The weather had lulled her into a confident mood
Alas Old Neptune awoke with a roar
And we poor mortals knew not what was in store.
It blew from the north with a strength of force eight
Old Neptune was angry for being so late
He whipped up that sea with a jury unknow
And we poor mortals wished we had n't been bom.
The "Marauder's" towline was showing the strain
There were circles around Old Hard's eyes again
He prayed that his towline with the help of his band
Would hold till we reached the lee of the land.
The "Marauder" was rolling her gunwhale under
Even the "Fawley "feit the force from down under
But the little "Old Hudson" appeared to be
Like wandering seagull out on a spree.
With visibility poor and the waves so high
"Where ara we oh Fawley" was the "Marauder's" cry
With your modern aids and lofty vision
Please pilot me to the first position.
The D.F. turned and the radar swung
The master laughed at last we've won
He sent his position to the pair
And stated gentlemen I say we're there.
But the "Hudson's" voice came loud and clear
Excuse me please I think we're here
And to the "Hudson's" joy abounding
The "Fawley" proved him right by sounding.
At last Old Neptune's rage abated
The "Fawley's" master felt deflated
For when his aids were put to test
The "Hudsoh's" D.R. proved the best.
Again becalmed and all serene
The question is "Are your tanks clean"
Tomorrow's test will surely show
And if they are then home you'll go.
Our tanks are clean and have been passed
"Marauder" and "Hudson" can go home at last
Through day's of weary task and toil
You have done your best for Esso oil.
The time has come to say goodbye
We thank you all my crew and I
God speed you on your various ways
I hope we'll meet in happier days.
The tug "Hudson", L. Smit & Co.