Restoration of steam tug Alwyn Vintcent

[Dylan Knott]

Early photos taken in April 2008 of the restoration process of the Steam Pilot Tug Alwyn Vintcent. All photos either taken by Charles Roux or myself.

[John Ashworth]

Dylan. for those of us who know nothing about this rather charming looking old steam tug, can you give us a bit of background information?

Where is it? When were these photos taken? What is its history? Who owns it now? Who is restoring it? What's the time frame for restoration? How is it being funded? What is the plan for its future once it is restored?

[Dylan Knott]

The Alwyn Vintcent was built in 1958 as a steam pilot tug for the South African Railways and Harbours. She was based at Mossel Bay for most of her life until retired in 1983. The vessel changed hands several times before eventually ending up at the V&A Waterfront in the early 90's as a pleasure cruiser. Steaming the vessel was too much hard work, so she was refitted with a diesel engine, but this proved unpopular and she was laid up in 2000. Only three steam tugs remain in SA, the JR More & Ulundi are at Durban.

The vessel is equipped with a single triple expansion steam engine. The steam plant and boiler is complete, so restoration to working order will be relatively simple.

In March 2008 it was rumoured the derelict Alwyn Vintcent would be cut up for scrap. Appeals were sent out and an Australian Businessman, Gordon Bashford, stepped in and purchased the ship. A local team then commenced with the restoration of the vessel from a derelict hulk to decent vessel. Restoration took place between April and Juky 2008. Presently the vessel is in the V&A Waterfront awaiting shipping to Australia. Here she will be placed back into commercial service, where its cheaper to operate the vessel than a diesel counterpart.

[John Ashworth]

Thanks, Dylan. I've never seen the name "Vincent" spelt with a "t" in the middle before. Is that a typo or is it the Afrikaans way of spelling it?

[Dylan Knott]

Yes, it is spelt Alwyn Vintcent.

[Derek Walker]

Sadly our record of steam tug preservation is dismal, 3 pilot tugs were supposed to have been preserved. The Eaglesham at Midmar dam was scrapped. The RA Leigh became derelict and was scrapped, and the William Weller was scrapped. Not to mention the wonderful tugs that worlked in our harbours of which not 1 example survives (the More is not a great example) . The Vintcent is hanging on by a thread and the sooner she leaves this country the better, otherwise she will end up like all our maritime and railway heritage. Photographs and memories only.