AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2001
WA: Endeavour receives big welcome on return to Fremantle
PERTH, Dec 16 AAP - The replica vessel of the boat in which Captain James Cook explored
Australia returned home to the WA port city of Fremantle yesterday after a five-year voyage
around the world.
To signify the arrival of The Endeavour, cannons were fired and bagpipes played while
a crowd of thousands looked on.
Captain Chris Blake was given permission to land by elders of the Nyoongar indigenous
community and greeted them traditionally by raising a sprig of gumleaves above his head.
The ship was also welcomed back by a huge flotilla of boats welcoming the vessel's
return from overseas, where it visited 180 ports of call since leaving in 1996.
It is estimated that more than one million people, including prime ministers, presidents,
governors and the Queen, have been aboard the ship.
Initiated to commemorate Australia's 1988 Bicentennial, the ship was built in Fremantle
and launched in 1993.
The Endeavour will stay in Fremantle until January 2 when it sets sail for the next
port of call at Bunbury, south of Perth.
AAP ajm/pw/bwl
KEYWORD: ENDEAVOUR
2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
No comments:
Post a Comment