Book review: South Africa’s Supertugs
Authors: Brian Ingpen and David Murray
Self-published
Salty dog Ingpen of Tokai and supertug sailor Murray of Plumstead launched their new coffee-table book as a tribute to South Africa’s legendary ocean workhorses the John Ross and Wolraad Woltemade.
Ingpen is the country’s best-known maritime historian and this is his 12th book. Teaming up with Murray, who spent years aboard the John Ross and Wolraad Woltemade, the duo has combined scholarship and sea experience to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of our coast, the tugs that quietly prevented disasters and saved millions in potential environmental damage.
As someone born with salt in her veins and a deck overlooking Cape Town harbour I’ve always been fascinated by the variety of ships that enter the port. For those of us who’ve watched tugs glide across Table Bay or seen their silhouettes against a stormy horizon this book will strike a nostalgic chord. Beautifully illustrated with historical photographs and packed with first-hand stories, it captures the power and bravery of the men and machines that kept our coastline safe.
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It’s not all technical detail though. Between the engine roar and rescue tales are glimpses of camaraderie, courage and deep respect for the sea. The book reads like a love letter to South Africa’s maritime heritage, one that will appeal to ship buffs, environmentalists and anyone who’s ever been moved by the sight of Cape Town’s harbour lights on a misty evening.
A third of the proceeds from the sales will go to the Lawhill Maritime Centre, which gives high-school pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds a head-start in maritime studies.
