Flags are flying at half mast on the Falmouth Towage Company’s tugs, in honour of retired tug master 89-year-old Captain Maurice “Mossy” Fuller, who has slipped his anchor and sailed on the tide following a brief illness.

He was one of the port’s finest tug skippers who served the port with distinction. His career spanned the halcyon days of shipping using Falmouth Docks, when it was not uncommon for the tugs to do 12 jobs a day at peak times.

Maurice spent 51 action packed years working for the Towage Company, which he joined in 1946 as an office boy at the tender age of 14. In those days the seven steam tugs called the “Magnificent Seven” were controlled from North Quay House. The two superintendents were Captain Edward “Ted” Newton and his relief Captain Daniels, both war hardened former masters with the famous Hain Steamship Company.

The tugs would come into North Quay to take on stores and fresh water as berths in the docks were at a premium. In the summer tugs would be beached alongside the Prince of Wales pier to allow the crews to scrub the bottom. The tugs had moorings off Flushing with crews assembling at the pier to row off to their vessels in all weathers.

n Captain Maurice Fuller, who has died at the age of 89

n Captain Maurice Fuller, who has died at the age of 89

From office boy Maurice made the natural progression to work afloat on the tugs. In 1958, after 12 years of learning the job, he was promoted master of the tug Norgrove.

He once said: “ Everyone obtained their 'wings' on the old Norgrove. She could be difficult to handle at times.”

Over the years he commanded six tugs in the fleet, before retiring in 1997.

Towing ships is an extremely skilful job – one which requires the utmost concentration, dedication and an aptitude for teamwork. Maurice was a consummate professional held in high esteem by the port fraternity and especially by the pilots.

Former pilot Captain Gordon Kent said: “Maurice was the last of the 'Old Guard' professional tug skippers here in Falmouth. A great guy to work with at all times.”

In his retirement Maurice enjoyed playing bowls at the Falmouth Bowls Club, during which time he played for Cornwall.

Maurice, who was predeceased by his wife Elsie ten years ago, leaves three children, Rita, Kiera, Clive, and four step children, Karen, Sandra, Andrew and Lesley.