Ode to the Kittiwake By Russ Francis

(THE VOYAGE OF THE TUG AMERICA)

We tighten the line, not everything is fine,
the weather is rough and it
going to be tough.

Long days and nights ahead of us,
everyone on edge,
We check the hawser, making sure
nothing is chafing on the haweshole
ledge.

The Tug America, out of Norfolk, faces the sea,
with a tow to the Caymans,
she pushes forward, putting the miles
behind and closing the miles ahead;
All on board are a brave man.

The Captain and crew look back to see,
the Kittiwake bucking and rolling in waves to the
lee.

Rounding the banks, in the dead of night,
the Tug America is pulling tight.
The wind and ice, coating the decks,
making way is a bit of a fright.

Dawn is upon us, the sea is still rough,
the cold is piercing making it
tough.

The Captain and crew look back to see,
the Kittiwake bucking and rolling in waves to the
lee

The compass is true. But the Captain is finding,
things are not good, he has a bad case of the flu,
making it tough.

The sea is calming and stars are shining,
miles are behind us,
handling the boat is less of a fuss.

With the Kittwake in tow against the strong
current flow, The Tug America keeps
pushing along, the cold and high
seas are almost gone.

The Captain and crew look back to see, the
Kittiwake majesticly, once again parting
the warm blue sea.

The hawser is pulled in,
the Kittiwake
is drifting , with the tug at her side,
Line are tied and pulled tight,
Finale the Georgetown port is now in sight.

The Caymans are ready, after a long time in the making,
for the Kittiwake to lose her bitter end,
and become a treasure after her sinking.

©Russ Francis

December 31 2010

Photo: Courtney Platt

Sinking Schedule

Kittiwake Sinking Schedule:

Monday, January 3, 2011         
1:00pm-2:00pm:  Guided Tour of the Kittiwake for Government dignitaries, Sponsors and media, followed by a brief dedication ceremony and unveiling of a commemorative plaque

2:00pm-4:00pm: Tenders will depart from West Bay dock for the general public to circle the perimeter of the Kittiwake, operating every 30 minutes 

Tuesday, January 4, 2011        
The Sinking Event, West Bay Public Beach
10:00am until...*
Contact CITA Watersports operators to reserve your space on a vessel. The perimeter of the sinking will be policed by DOE and the Marine Police Unit. All boats will be required to stay beyond the set back markers.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011  
 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Cocktail reception/silent auction/presentations, Margaritaville (Drink specials, cash bar - all are welcome to attend and see exclusive footage, meet the Crew & bid on artifacts from the vessel!)
                                                     

**NOTE: All events are subject to weather conditions

Kittiwake in Port.... the sinking plan is now in action!

The Kittiwake is dockside at George Town port and the Tug Boat America has handed over the ship to local contractors, West Indian Marine. 

All of the preperation work for sinking has now begun.  Check out a new photo gallery from today's inspections by clicking here

Subject to weather...

As of 5pm, Sunday 26th, the Kittiwake is on the mooring in Spotts, Grand Cayman. Tug Boat 'America' is still in her towing bridle in case they have to move. The local 'Sand Cay' Tug is also on site on standby. Weather will be assessed daily to see when she can move into the Port. Once in George Town Port, work will commence for sinking preparations. 

Photo by Kat Ramage. 

Kittiwake In Cayman!

Photo by www.CourtneyPlatt.com

The latest, greatest dive site in the Caribbean has just arrived in Grand Cayman.  We're all excited and can't wait to put her to rest on the sea floor.