2 days ago
A historic boat sold as scrap being restored in Kochi
Seethi Sajar, 52, a scrap dealer from Thoppumpady, was in for a surprise when he turned up at the Cochin Port Trust, since then renamed as Cochin Port Authority (CoPA), to take delivery of a chunk of scrap he bought in an auction in 2010.
When he spotted an archaic wooden boat, valued at around ₹2 lakh, among the materials, he thought little of it. Only when a senior port officer told him that it was the boat used by the late British harbour engineer Sir Robert Charles Bristow who founded the Willingdon Island did he realise its historical significance.
'It was thrilling to even think that I was in possession of the boat used by a historical figure like Bristow Sayippu (foreigner). Since my yard at Karuvelippady didn't have the facilities to restore the boat at that time, I kept it fully wrapped protecting it from rain, sun, and dust,' said Mr. Sajar, who has been in the scrap business and ship dismantling business for the last 35 years.
He started the restoration of the boat, which is fully made in teak, three months ago. He was fortunate to find two veteran boat maintenance workers with experience of having handled similar traditional boats in wood in Ponjikkara in Ernakulam district. They have been working on the boat since then.
Historic significance
'We have been careful not to tinker with its original structure and design considering its historic significance. The focus is more on restoring it to its old glory rather than renovating. Missing wooden planks are being replaced, some nails are being tightened, steering wheel that has fallen off has been put back, and the engine cover is being replaced. The engine is still in good condition and it will be given a fresh coat of polish,' said Mr. Sajar who claims to have spend around ₹10 lakh for restoration so far.
He remains hopeful of wrapping up the works by August in time for Onam. The boat will be then showcased for the public. Mr. Sajar has bought a 3 acre plot at Karuvelippady where he plans to construct a fibre glass enclosure for displaying the boat.
Bony Thomas, a journalist, cartoonist and historian, slammed the sale of such a historical object as mere scrap. Bristow is credited with putting Kochi on the global map, found India's biggest man-made island, modernised the Kochi port and built bridges for improved connectivity.
'A scrap dealer showed better sense than the port authorities. Here was a boat, Bristow had used extensively since his arrival in 1920. The boat has been mentioned at three places in his renowned book Cochin Saga. To sell it as mere scrap is height of ignorance,' said Mr. Thomas.
