Glasgow And Ships Of The Clyde

Upset seaman casts off hawsers of BOOKER VANGUARD in James Watt Dock in Greenock

Contributed by Bill McKellar

From Glasgow Herald 28 February 1969

   A 20-year old former seaman from Greenock was so upset when he was ordered off a cargo ship when he went looking for work that he released 10 hawsers leading from the ship and caused it to drift from the quayside at James Watt Dock in Greenock.

   This was stated at Greenock Sheriff Court yesterday when the man was fined £100.   He was given six months to pay the fine.   The Sheriff-Substitute (the Judge) told him  - “It is very difficult to understand how you, as a seaman, could have done such a thing.   As you are a first offender I will give you the benefit of the doubt and I hope you will not be so stupid again.”

   The man pled guilty to maliciously releasing the hawsers, a water-hosepipe, and three metal handrail supports on the gangway of the bulk carrier BOOKER VANGUARD, causing the ship to drift from its moorings and thereby maliciously attempting to cause damage to the ship.

   The Depute-Fiscal (the Prosecution) said the man, with a companion, went aboard the ship about 0100 on January 24 and asked about the prospects of work.   He was told there was none and was asked to leave.

   An hour later he was seen casting off the hawsers berthing the ship to the quayside and the ship began to drift away.   Fortunately there was not a strong wind, and the crew got the ship alongside again before it moved very far.   There was no damage, but the consequences could have been very serious.

   A solicitor said the man had spent three years at sea and took a job ashore when he married.   He had been drinking and went to the ship.   After being taken to a cabin by a watchman, he asked to see the Chief Officer.   He was, the solicitor said, “most rudely” ordered off the ship.   He was most upset and, as he left he released some hawsers.

   The solicitor suggested the ship had never been completely released and he understood it would take a squad of men to free the moorings.   The ship had drifted a little, however, but had been quickly brought under control.