Ships come and go from Port Kembla every day, but few would pull a crowd of onlookers like the fire-ravaged Iron Chieftain did on Wednesday afternoon.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Dozens of people, including some of the crew who once worked aboard the self-discharging bulk carrier, gathered at the harbour to say farewell to the stricken ship.
James Lisney, a self-described "younger member" of the Iron Chieftain crew, worked aboard the vessel for eight years.
On Wednesday, he watched from shore as his former home at sea - one of the last iron boats - was towed from its home of 10 months.
"This vessel itself has been plying its trade around the coast probably about 25 years and it's very sad to see her go in this fashion," Mr Lisney said.
"She's going off over the horizon and not by her own steam."
Mr Lisney spent more time on the ship than with his own family - a personal insight into how much it meant to him.
The Iron Chieftain will now spend plenty of time at sea - under tow to its final resting place in Turkey.
Travelling at four to six nautical miles an hour, it's a journey that's expected to take about 100 days to complete.
Sign up to our newsletters
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
