A six year old boy has fulfilled his dream after being invited to the Port of Dover to look at the tug boats moored at the Western Docks. Alfie Burns, who attends Lympne Primary School wrote a letter asking what he should do to become a tug boat driver.
Alfie's mum, Sue Carter, who accompanied him on the visit, said: "Alfie has wanted to be a tug boat driver after we took him for a trip down the Thames last year. He was really excited when I told him that we were going to see a real tug boat."
Andy Cornford, Port Operations Manager at the Western Docks, welcomed Alfie and Sue aboard 'DHB Dauntless' and said: "We were delighted to respond to Alfie's letter; the tug boat crew were happy to pull out all the stops to make his visit a special one and an occasion both he and his family will always remember."
Alfie's visit started with a tour of the engine room followed by an inspection of the galley, crew rest area and sleeping quarters. He was then taken up to the wheel house where Tug Master Mark Temple gave him some training in how to pilot the vessel.
Mark, who has been working with one of six crews at the Port of Dover for nine years, then took Alfie for a short trip around the harbour. After 10 minutes Mark allowed Alfie to take over the controls. He steered the tug boat in all directions under Mark's supervision and was allowed to fire the water cannon.
On his return to the harbour, Alfie questioned the crew further about tug boats and their uses. Mark told Alfie he was a natural at the controls. An exchange of gifts took place - each crew member received a doughnut from Alfie and in return they gave him a £2 coin for being such an excellent crew member.
