#PreservedTUG - Brocklebank, a preserved Liverpool based tug which is still in sea-going condition is to visit Dun Laoghaire Harbour next Monday (8 July), writes Jehan Ashmore.
The tug is to make an afternoon arrival and subject to tides, the vessel will be open to the public while alongside the East Pier jetty from 14.30hrs.
Brocklebank last worked on the Mersey 25 years ago and from where she spent her entire career for Alexandra Towing Company. Fittingly the vessel stills sports the old operator's distinctive yellow, white and black band funnel colours.
In 1964 she was laid down as one of a trio of sisters (Langton and Egerton) ordered from W.J. Harwood & Sons of Great Yarmouth. In the following year she was launched by Lady Pamela Brocklebank.
During the 1960's and 1970'S she served as a ship-handling tug which involved assisting numerous cargo-ships, passenger ships and naval vessels to their berths. On occasions this involved working in Heysham, Larne and Barrow where the tug engaged with ship launches from the Cumbrian port.
The tug was acquired by the Liverpool Maritime Museum in 1989 and since then has been lovingly restored by a group of volunteers at the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
She has visited many Irish Sea ports, transited Scotland's Caledonian Canal to reach England's North Sea ports as well France. In addition she is no stranger to Irish ports, having visited Belfast, Dublin, Arklow and Cork.
