Splash Down In Terengganu

With one day left before we leave for northern Thailand, we were able to watch the launch of a 1,500 tonne rig tender today. We have watched the progress over the last 8 weeks since our first stay in the marina here at Terengganu and were surprised to learn a couple of weeks ago that it was due for launch on the 9 July. Last minute efforts of the boat builders to finish welding and painting, working two shifts a day, all went to plan. The tender still has to undergo final fit out and commissioning here in the river over the next two months before taking up its contract work in the Middle East.

The boat yard is right next to the marina and yesterday all boats moored on the finger closest to the yard were moved onto the other finger as no one really knew how big a wave it would generate as it hit the water or even if it would enter the water and remain on course. It was a matter of wait and see, creating a bit of excitement for the few yachties here in the marina.

Specially prepared rails were waxed and greased for the vessel to slide down - with no strings attached!

All went well though and
the Borcas Tasneem 6 slid
perfectly into the water...

... floating the right way up.

Meanwhile, one of the large Water monitors which frequent the marina was captured entering the water today as well. These large lizards seem to be quite shy and it is difficult to get too close to take a good picture. However, today I managed to sneak up on this big one ...










... before he saw me over the edge of the boardwalk...












... entered the water...













...and swam off.