Esso Languedoc

[Alan Cook]

I know this is an Esso tanker from the French fleet, but I received the following e-mail recently and wondered if anyone may be able to help the lady concerned:

In December 1981, Esso Languedoc’s captain and crew rescued me and my family when we escaped Viet Nam by boat. We were floating aimlessly on that vast Pacific ocean near Indonesia. After 5 days, food, water, and any hope of finding freedom had all diminished. Without a functioning motor, the boat, then leaky, seemed doomed. On the 7th day, as if by a miracle, a French crude oil tanker Esso Languedoc crossed our path. The compassion and humanitarianism of the captain and his crew forever changed the fate of the very fortunate 23 people on that fragile boat. We are looking for the Captain, and his crew. We would like to meet them or their descendents to learn their names, and to show our expressions of enormous gratitude. Thank you for spreading these words. We are grateful for re-connecting us. Sincerely, Kim

Please let me know if you have any information that may assist her. Many thanks.

[Captain Kong]

My only connection with the Esso Languedoc is when I was on the ESSO YORK lightering them in the Channel in December 1975
she is around 256,000 DWT

Unfortunately the ESSO fleets have been disbanded so I do not know who to contact
Brian

[Alan Cook]

Thanks for your reply. I well remember the Esso York, although I only went on board once for a brief visit. I was probably working on the Esso Cardiff at the time. You may well remember Bob Eagleton who'd worked on the Esso York for some time.

[michael hooper]

i was on the esso york in march 1957 working on deck as an E.D.H for about 2 months the did a run job on her to gibraltar.she was a good ship.

[Bob Montgomery]

Here are a couple of photos I think one may be to old but I think the year would be the VLCCEsso Languedoc-07.jpgEsso Languedoc-05.jpg

[Doc Vernon]

Possibly this first mate was still on the date asked about ie 1981 >>> Just possibly of some help ??????

The Esso Languedoc was a tanker that is famous for its first mate, Phillipe Lijour, photographing a 25-to-30-metre (80 to 100 ft) rogue wave that hit the ship near Durban, South Africa, in 1980