Name ST 248

Built as a seaplane tender between 1931 and 1940 by the British Powerboat Company of Hythe, the exact date of construction of this vessel is unknown and her number was believed to be ST 248. She was of double diagonal mahogany construction and her original engines were 2 x100hp petrol engines by Meadows. Research of her history found that during the latter part of World War II she was converted to fire tender FT-30 and stationed at Castle Archdale in Northern Ireland. She was then briefly employed in commercial seaplane service before being sold into private hands and used as a yacht for many years. From 1959 to 1969 she was registered at Lloyds as BARACUDA.  In November 2023, the Pembroke Dock Harbour Trust took the reluctant decision to dispose of the vessel due to the deterioration of her condition and the fact that her keel was twisted beyond repair, following damage which it was believed she had sustained after being hit by a tug and sunk in Ramsgate Harbour.  The disposal process was fully photographed and a bow section was retained for display as a memorial to the Maritime Branch at RAF Pembroke Dock.