A HERO Port Glasgow businessman who at the age of 17 saved a sailor's life on his first voyage at sea 60 years ago has taken a step back in time with the Tele.
Former coal merchant Frank Docherty, now 78, trawled the archives to find a tale about his bravery award back in 1962.
Then a teenager from Gibshill, he joined the merchant navy but found himself at the centre of a rescue while his ship MV Cape Granville was docked in Mauritius.
On his arrival back in his home town the youngster received a lifesaving award from the Royal Humane Society with his parents by his side.
Frank, who lives in Port Glasgow, said: "I wanted to find the story, I came across the vellum certificate made of calf skin and gave it to my granddaughter so she could restore it.
"It was lovely to be able to see my mother and father in the photograph, it brought lovely memories of growing up in Poplar Street in Gibshill."
Frank started out as a coal merchant and has owned Clyde Transport Yard for the last 40 years, which now has around 30 units used for offices and storage.
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At the age of 17 Frank joined the merchant navy, serving for a year as a catering boy.
During this time he was recognised for an act of bravery after he saved a fellow crew member who was making his way on board from the quayside in Mauritius when he slipped and fell between the ship and the dock wall.
Quick-thinking Frank eased himself down to the water by wedging his back against the ship's side and his feet against the harbour wall and 'walked' down the dock face.
The 1962 Tele report tells how he caught hold of his shipmate and held his head above water until help arrived.
Frank said: "To be honest I don't remember much about it, it was such a long time ago."
His heroics were not enough to keep Frank in the Merchant Navy and a year later he decided to stay on land.
He said: "I was always looking for the next best thing, I wanted adventure but I didn't want to stay doing the one thing."
So the young man ended up a businessman, first as a coal merchant and then adapting as times changed to renting out storage space.
He said: "I still work every day, it keeps me busy."
Frank was commended by the ship's master and then presented with his awards at the Town Hall by the Provost John Reid on Tuesday March 6 1962.
At the time Frank also received a cheque from James Begg, manager of the Lyle Shipping Co.
Frank's proud parents, dad John and mum May, were both at the award presentation.
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