chemical pioneer & esso brussels

SEA WITCH / CHEMICAL PIONEER

Built: Bath Iron Works, ME
Launched: 1968
Length: 610 ft / 190 m
Beam: 76 ft / 23 m
Draft: 35 ft / 11 m
Crew: 40

ESSO BRUSSELS / Petrola XVII

Built: Kockum shipyard FH, Malmö, Sweden
Launched: 1959
Length: 699 ft 3 in / 213.12 m
Beam: 97 ft 3 in / 29.65 m
Height: 38 ft / 11.59 m
Propulsion: single screw
Speed: 17.25 knots
Crew: 52
Homeport: Antwerp, Belgium (1959-1973) ; Pieraeus, Greece (1973-1985)

On June 1, 1973, container ship Sea Witch experienced steering failure and collided with oil tanker Esso Brussels which resulted in a horrific fire in lower NYHarbor and great loss of life.
Fireboat Firefighter (built in Greenport!) responded, fighting the huge fire singlehandedly and rescuing 31 surviving crewmen.
Both ships were salvaged and rebuilt.
Tugster has recent photos of Chemical Pioneer in NYHarbor: during her final days, she made her last trip here.

In memory of all who perish, and gratitude to all who work at dangerous jobs, everywhere.