J. Fenwick & Co of Sydney commissioned J. P. Rennoldson of South Shields, England, to build a new tugboat to their specification.

The draughtsmen's plans were signed off on August 6, 1891, for a vessel 105 feet long with a maximum size of 160 tonnes and powered by a 800-hp steam engine. When the vessel was completed in June 1892, the Rennoldsons put the tug to three days of sea trials off the coast of South Shields.

Satisfied with the results, modifications were made to sail the tug to Sydney. The propeller was removed and stored below, the funnel was secured flat on top of the deck and Hero was fitted out as a topsail schooner with two masts and sails.

Under the command of Captain George Forrest, Hero underwent another three days of sea trials as a schooner off the coast of South Shields before it was declared ready to sail for Australia. With a crew of eight, who had the task of sailing Hero to Sydney with Captain Forrest, the tug-cum-schooner left South Shields on July 3, 1892, farewelled by friends and relatives of the crew.

Sailing through the North Sea in the initial stages of the voyage they struck strong south-westerly winds.

When nearing the equator on August 20 they ran into five days of strong southerly winds which turned to south-east gales. After passing the equator, Hero was caught in the doldrums. The crew passed the time swimming in the sea until a large shark appeared. On days 35 to 40, the crew set about painting the sides of the hull with green paint. Eventually the sails picked up the south-east trade winds off Trinidad Island.

On her way to the Cape of Good Hope, Hero twice encountered rough seas, waves sweeping over her deck. The vessel sailed well considering the notoriety of the south Atlantic Ocean and all caution was taken by sizing the mainsail.

Setting a course towards Tristan da Cunha, a group of islands between the Cape of Good Hope and South America, she struck huge seas once again and Hero proved her worthiness. Salt water had penetrated the engine room, forcing the crew to turn the engines over each morning. Captain Forrest decided to take the Hero to Table Bay for inspection and to replenish their supplies. After a three-day break, they set sail for the Agulhas Banks where they were caught in a severe squall when one of the crew was washed along the deck fracturing some ribs.

Captain Forrest placed him in a pitch plaster for 10 to 12 days.

Approaching the southern waters of Australia, Hero encountered heavy seas and sighted land at Cape Banks, South Australia.

From Cape Banks to Sydney Harbour they once again struck more bad weather but approaching Sydney it was a fine and clear day and Hero sailed into the harbour after 156 days riding the rough oceans of the world.

Once Hero was converted from a schooner to a steam tug J. Fenwick & Co put Hero into service.

Being one of the most powerful tugboats, Hero was a welcome sight when approaching stricken vessels. On June 3, 1899, a crowd gathered at the floating dock at Circular Quay to inspect Hero after her return from a 12-day search for the Perthshire.

The crowds expected to witness a storm-battered vessel. No-one would have suspected that the tug had just completed a tempestuous voyage of 2405 nautical miles in 12 days. The search area extended from New Zealand waters to Lord Howe Island.

In May 1920, the James Craig struck bad weather off Gabo Island, causing her topside seam to open. Hero was sent to tow the ship to Sydney for repairs.

The three Fenwick tugs - Hero, Heroine and Heroic (referred to as the Heroes) - often worked together and in May 1932 they towed the new 18,017-tonne mail ship Mariposa, after it encountered heavy fog inside Sydney Heads, safely to its destination.

Next week the story of Hero continues when her career was interrupted by tragedy.

Information courtesy of Carol Herben OAM.  Call 0409 832 854 or email sycado6@bigpond.net.au