Name Waterwitch

WATERWITCH, a HAM class inshore survey vessel, was built by J Samuel White of Cowes between 1957 and 1958. She was commisioned as HMS POWDERHAM (M2720). LOA 106ft, MB22ft, 6ft 6in DR. 120 disp, 150 disp laden. Original armanent was 1 x 40mm Bofors and 2 x 120mm Oerlikon guns. Main engines are twin Davey Paxman YHAX, V12 diesel of 550shp. Carries 15 tons of fuel giving a range of 1200nm at 10-12knots. Naval complement 15/22 officers and ratings.

After a period of Operation Reserve and Special Trails Unit (1960/1) she was in service with the Forth Division Royal Naval Reserve (1962/3). She returned to STU (Portsmouth) until 1964 when she underwent conversion at Chatham to survey vessel and was renamed WATERWITCH.

Manned by a civilian crew of the Port Auxilliary Service she operated as part of the South Coast Survey Until until 1974. After refit she was allocated the pennant M304 and took part in the 1977 Silver Jubilee Fleet Review at Spithead. In 1980 she was renumbered M272 and again operated on the south coast until she replaced HMS DEE as tender to Liverpool University RN Unit, where she remained under the White Ensign until paying off in March 1985. She was laid up at Camber Dock & Portchester Creek until being towed to Goole in 1991, where she was found in decrepit condition. After being made seaworthy she sailed under her own power to the Tyne to be prepared for her role as a Motor Training Vessel by the volunteers of PROJECT M2720.