Forceful (tugboat) facts for kids
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|} Forceful is a special tugboat. She was built in Scotland in 1925. For many years, she worked in Brisbane, Australia. Her job was to help big ships dock safely. She also helped ships in trouble. During World War II, Forceful joined the Royal Australian Navy. She became HMAS Forceful and helped the Navy. After the war, she went back to her regular job. Today, you can visit her as a museum ship in Brisbane!
Contents
| History | |
|---|---|
 Australia |
|
| Operator | Queensland Tug Company |
| Builder | Alexander Stephen & Sons Ltd, Govan, Scotland |
| Yard number | 509 |
| Launched | 20 November 1925 |
| In service | 7 March 1926 |
| Out of service | 1942 |
| Homeport | Brisbane |
| Status | Requisitioned by RAN |
 Australia |
|
| Commissioned | 16 February 1942 |
| Decommissioned | 11 October 1943 |
| Honours and awards |
|
| Status | Returned to civilian owners |
| Australia |
|
| In service | 1943 |
| Out of service | 28 September 1970 |
| Homeport | Brisbane |
| Identification | IMO number: 5117559 |
| Status | Museum ship at the Queensland Maritime Museum since 10 June 1971 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 288 gross tons |
| Length | 36.88 m (121.0 ft) |
| Beam | 8.26 m (27.1 ft) |
| Draught | 4.08 m (13.4 ft) |
| Propulsion | 1 triple expansion steam engine with 3 cylinders, 2 single ended boilers each with 2 furnaces, 1050 IHP |
| Speed | 13 knots (24 km/h; 15 mph) |
| Armament | One Oerlikon 20 mm cannon, one Vickers machine gun (RAN service only) |
Building and Early Work
Forceful was built in 1925. She was made by a company called Alexander Stephen and Sons Ltd. This company was in Govan, Scotland. The tugboat was made for the Queensland Tug Company. Her job was to work in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
How Forceful Was Built
Forceful is a strong tugboat. She has a steel body and uses steam power. She is about 36.88 m (121.0 ft) long. That's about the length of four school buses! She is also 8.26 m (27.1 ft) wide. Her engine was also built by the same company. It was a powerful steam engine. It had 1050 horsepower. This engine turned a single propeller. Two large boilers heated by coal made the steam.
Starting Work in Brisbane
Forceful was launched into the water on November 20, 1925. She then sailed all the way from Scotland to Brisbane. She arrived on March 7, 1926. After some small repairs, she started her work. Her main job was to help large ships. She would push and pull them into their docks. This made it safe for them to park. She also helped ships that were in danger along the Queensland coast.
Changes Over Time
After World War II, Forceful returned to her normal duties. But new technology was coming. By 1964, she was the last tugboat in Brisbane that still burned coal. Other tugs used newer, cleaner fuels. On September 28, 1970, Forceful stopped working. She had served for many years.
In 1941, Forceful was asked to help in World War II. She was supposed to go to the Mediterranean Sea. But her plans changed. She was needed closer to home.
On February 16, 1942, Forceful joined the Royal Australian Navy. She was given a new name: HMAS Forceful (W126). She was first based at Fremantle. Her job there was to help with general harbor duties. She towed other ships and helped around the port.
Working in Darwin
In October 1942, Forceful moved to Darwin, Northern Territory. Darwin was a very important naval base. It was also attacked many times by Japanese planes. Forceful worked as a harbor and rescue tug there. She helped during these dangerous times.
For example, on November 4, 1942, she rescued the crew of an American bomber. The plane had crashed into the sea. In 1943, she often waited at sea. She was ready to help Navy destroyers. These destroyers were supporting Australian soldiers in Timor. In April and May 1943, Forceful also helped strengthen Allied bases in New Guinea.
Returning to Civilian Life
In August 1943, Forceful returned to Brisbane. There were many more ships in Brisbane because of the war. So, she was needed as a harbor tug. On October 11, 1943, she left the Navy. She went back to her original owners. For her brave service, HMAS Forceful received two special honors. These were "Darwin 1942-43" and "Pacific 1943."
Becoming a Museum Ship
After many years of work, Forceful retired in September 1970. On June 10, 1971, she was given to the Queensland Maritime Museum in Brisbane.
Life as a Museum Ship
For many years, Forceful was still able to move. She took visitors on trips along the Brisbane River. She also went to Moreton Bay. But in 2006, a check of her hull showed problems. She was not safe to operate anymore. She needed a lot of repairs.
In 2012, Forceful was in danger. A small leak had appeared in her back section. There was a chance she might be scrapped. But then, some money was given anonymously. This money helped pay for the needed repairs. In July 2012, she returned to the museum.
Visiting Forceful Today
After more repairs, Forceful is now a static exhibit. This means she stays in one place. You can visit her at the Queensland Maritime Museum. She reopened for public tours in September 2018. She is a great way to learn about tugboats and their history!
