The Lesser Steamers 187 



Dutch firm, and has recently been com- 

 pleted. The floating dock was so much 

 bigger than those already mentioned as 

 being sent overseas that it was necessary 

 to send it to sea in sections. 



The Dutch are celebrated for their 

 ocean-going tugs, and they have secured 

 many contracts that ought to have gone 

 to British vessels. 



A few years ago the Mauretania was lying 

 helpless at Southampton with turbines dis- 

 mantled. Nor could they be placed aboard 

 again owing to an unfortunate strike. 



It is obvious that such a ship cannot be 

 spared from service longer than absolutely 

 necessary, therefore her owners decided 

 that she must be towed across the Channel 

 and the refitting given to a French yard. 

 It so happened that the tow was under- 

 taken at an unfortunate state of the 

 weather, and the fine old liner was almost 

 lost as she approached the French coast. 



Only by the steady persistence and the 

 excellent management of the tugs in charge 



