First Fleet – Fergus Ferry

The First Fleet

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.“
– Nelson Mandela

FERGUS THE FERRY

Book 1

Born into an affluent family in Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela took on the struggle to fight against apartheid. He fought for equality of all human beings, regardless of the colour of the skin. He spent a lot of time in jail, but he did not give up his fight, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize. Though he was the president of South Africa, the entire world mourned his death, because he bravely raised his voice against inequality.

Being brave doesn’t mean not being afraid, it means overcoming your fear – as Captain Joe does in this book.

Relating the quote to the story

A courageous and brave person is not one who does not get scared, but one who looks beyond his own self and still acts bravely. Captain Joe and Fergus both know that it is dangerous to go close to the rocks and rescue the crew. They could all get hurt, yet they brave the weather and rescue the crew.

The First Fleet

“It requires bravery to do something no one else around you is doing“
– Amber Heard

FERGUS AT THE ZOO

Book 2

Amber Heard is an American actress who has appeared in many films, including Magic Mike XXL, The Rum Diary and Aquaman. She has been named a Human Rights Champion for the Stand Up for Human Rights campaign by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Relating the quote to the story

Fergus and Captain Joe are always ready to help people. After rescuing the zookeeper, Fergus pulls away from the wharf. Captain Joe and the keeper don’t want to go back and help Albert because it is dangerous with the lion there, but Fergus turns around to rescue Albert the kangaroo, because he knows that it is the right thing to do, even if it is dangerous.

The First Fleet

“Don’t play with fire or you’ll get burnt.“
– Anonymous

FERGUS AT THE FIRE

Book 3

Relating the quote to the story

Don’t play with fire or you’ll get burnt; is a metaphor, you do things that could be dangerous you are likely to get hurt. Can you think of other examples?

The First Fleet

“Never, never, never give up.“
– Winston Churchill

FERGUS AT THE RACE

Book 4

Born in an aristocratic family in England, Winston Churchill was an influential Prime Minister of England. He was not only a statesman but also a writer. His political achievements include leading England to victory over Hitler’s Nazi forces in World War II.

His writing abilities were well rewarded with a Nobel Prize for Literature. Quotes from his inspiring speeches are used even today.

Relating the quote to the story

Fergus knows that he is racing with bigger ferries. He does not give up even when the others gain ground. In the end, his determined attitude helps him win the race. He chooses not to give up.

The First Fleet

“Don’t cry wolf!“
– Anonymous

FERGUS AT THE FIREWORKS

Book 5

Relating the quote to the story

Crying wolf means calling out for help just for fun, without a reason. When the yachts send up flares for fun, George rushes over to help. However, there is no emergency there. When a yacht sends up a flare asking for help, George thinks that they are still having fun and does not go to rescue them. Crying wolf can put lives in danger, because when help is actually needed, no one will turn up, just like in the story.

The First Fleet

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.“
– Eleanor Roosevelt

FERGUS MAKES A DIFFERENCE

Book 6

Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt of America. The First Lady was immensely shy in her younger days. Gradually, she outgrew her shyness and became one of the toughest lady politicians who could take a stand when needed. She is best known for playing a crucial role in development and the passage of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights during her tenure as the American delegate at the United Nations. She went on to become the chairperson of the UN’s Human Rights Commission.

Relating the quote to the story

Boris mocks Fergus when Fergus wants to help Jimmy tow the oil tanker to the Quay. Boris says that Fergus is a small ferry and his engine is too weak to be of any help to Jimmy. But Fergus chooses to ignore Boris’ words. His belief in himself helps him accomplish a difficult task successfully. You do not become weak or inferior just because someone says so. You become weak when you start believing it.

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