The launch of the Babette Jacob, the largest ship built at the Verolme Cork Dockyard.
The 50,000 ton deadweight bulk cargo carrier Babette Jacob is the biggest ever vessel built at the Verolme Cork Dockyard in Cobh, and in the Republic of Ireland. The ship is named in honour of the grand-daughter of the shipping magnate Ernest Jacob, chairman of the company who ordered the Babette Jacob.
The launch ceremony of the Babette Jacob is attended by over 100 Germans who have flown into Ireland for the occasion. Ernest Jacob's step-daughter Doerte Gerdon breaks a bottle of champagne against the bow of the vessel and the Babette Jacob sides down the slipway into the River Lee.
Babette Jacob is first in series of four bulk carriers, the others being Rolf Jacob, Margot Jacob and Lutz Jacob.
Babette Jacob was completed in July 1972 and disposed of in 1997 at the Alang Ship Breaking Yard in India.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 8 April 1972.
