Retired tugboat veteran treated to special trip by Serco

A Torpoint man who dedicated five decades of his life to working on tugs at the Royal Navy base in Devonport was treated to a surprise trip aboard a tugboat by his former employer. 

Celebrating his 80th birthday on February 24th, Brian Rogers had often told his grandsons Lewis, George, and Oliver tales of his adventures on the water. 

In 1959, at the age of 15, Mr Rogers embarked on a remarkable career that saw him navigate the waters aboard various tugs, including notable vessels like The Superman, Careful, and Myrtle.

The trip, organised as a belated birthday gift, served as a poignant reminder of his remarkable career and his enduring love for the sea.

It was aboard the Myrtle where Mr Rogers cemented his legacy, not just as a skilled seaman but also as a culinary maestro, becoming renowned for his delicious pasties. 

Brian working on the Myrtle

His retirement in 2009 marked the end of an illustrious career that spanned half a century, witnessing the transformation of HMNB Devonport and the transition of tugboat operations to Serco's capable hands.

The family reached out to Serco on a whim, hoping to fulfil Brian’s return to the tugs, particularly SD Careful for a special trip. 

It was hoped that Mr Rogers, who battles dementia, would find solace and joy in the familiar sights and sounds of his former workplace.

Accompanied by his wife Ivanka, daughter Tina, son Paul, daughter-in-law Debbie and grandsons Lewis and George, alongside Lewis' partner Ella, Brian arrived at HMNB Devonport on Saturday, March 9th, for a day filled with nostalgia.

The family onboard the tug, SD Careful

Arriving promptly at 8.30am, the Rogers family was warmly welcomed by Martyn 'Simo' Simms, who is the Maritime Services Operations Co-ordinator at Devonport, and his partner Chris, who guided them to the awaiting tugboat.

As they stepped aboard SD Careful, Brian's eyes lit up with memories of his seafaring days.

Soon, they set sail into Plymouth Sound under the expert guidance of Mark Gooding, Brian's former colleague and now Master of the vessel.

“The sea has always been a part of Brian's life,” Simo remarked, “Serco takes great pride in our allegiance to staff, and it was a super experience to meet a veteran skipper/master of 50 years who recently celebrated his 80th birthday. It seemed only fitting that Serco helped in assisting Brian Rogers and his family to commemorate such a milestone in his life.”

The journey up the river and into Plymouth Sound saw Brian, Lewis, George and Ella take turns at the helm, steering the boat.

Towards the end of the trip, Simo presented Brian with a framed picture of the SD Careful in its original yellow livery, along with Serco-branded mugs as keepsakes of the unforgettable day.

Brian and his wife, Ivanka with their Serco branded mugs

Reflecting on the experience, Brian said: “It was lovely, very nice. It brought back nice memories in a way - all of it is still actually much the same!”

His sentiments were echoed by his wife Ivanka, who said: “We were treated like VIPs! Everyone was so kind, and such an amazing experience.”

Brian and the crew of SD Adept who crewed SD Careful for the trip, plus Simo (far left) and Chris (front left) who helped organise the experience

For Tina, Brian's eldest daughter, the day left an indelible mark.

“It was a day I'll never forget!”