Launching the Abraham Fock
104cm x 61cm
cobra watermixable oils on textured board.
The tradition of a horse-drawn lifeboat is kept alive on the island of Ameland. The Abraham Fock was first launched in 1824 and is on permanent display in the lifeboat museum. Regular launching demonstrations are organised for tourists and visitors. 10 horses tow the lifeboat from the museum to the beach and then 8 horses are harnessed in 2 teams of 4 to haul it into the water. Tragedy struck in August 1979 when 8 horses drowned while attempting to launch the lifeboat in a storm. The Abraham Fock remained operational until 1988.
