The Far Saracen is a UT 731 anchor-handler but in 2010 in Norway and now working offshore Australia. It is owned by the Solstad group after the amalgamation of some Norwegian companies. Like all offshore vessels in Australian waters it is crewed by local seafarers. I have always felt that these extremely versatile craft would be ideal for helping out in emergency situations and in the case of the Far Saracen at the town of Mallacoota, cut off from the rest of the country by raging bush fires, so it has proved. Absolutely unmentioned elsewhere is the support it provided to the population but it received a commendation on line from, I think, one of the members of the emergency services who were based on it. Click here to read it.

Photo Jan Plug in 2011 Post here on 13th January 2020

I’m on my way home after a week away helping out at Mallacoota. There’s been a lot of stories about the Army and Navy efforts in the area. I’ve spent the week onboard the rig tender Far Saracen. They arrived on scene days before the other services with a crew of 14 Aussie and Kiwi sailors.They have worked around the clock to keep us going. They worked tirelessly looking after sick people, the elderly, infants even special needs teenagers. They fed us. Gave us beds. Even made sure we had clean uniforms and underwear. They maintained our boats and kept an eye on them while we slept. They did this all while supplying Mallacoota with food, water and diesel. They did all of this on top of running the ship. This was the most organised and professional work place that I have ever seen. The ship was the most immaculately presented and maintained workplace that I’ve been to. On land or sea. I’m not trying to take away from the efforts of emergency services and military. The captain and crew of this ship deserve to be recognised. Their family and friends need to know how good they are at what they do and what they have done for the town of Mallacoota. As you all know I’m not big on social media. If you’ve bothered to read to this point can you please help me spread the message and hopefully if makes it to some of the family and friends of this fantastic bunch of proud Australian seafarers. The poster was Chris John Nairey. 

Well done the Far Saracen then!