Registration number 2479
Status Archived
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Previous names

  • 1959 - 1969 Baracuda

Details

Function Service Vessel
Subfunction Tender
Location NONE
Vessel type Seaplane Tender
Archive reason Disposed
Current use None
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No

Construction

Builder British Power Boat Co Ltd. Hythe
Built in 1931
Hull material Wood
Rig None
Number of decks 1
Propulsion Motor
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam
8.90 feet (2.71m)
Depth
2.75 feet (0.84m)
Length: Overall
37.50 feet (11.44m)

History

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.

 

Key dates

  • 1931 Built by British Powerboat Company of Hythe
  • 1939-1945 Converted to Fire Tender FT-30 and stationed at Castle Archdale Northern Ireland
  • 1959-1969 Registered at Lloyds as BARACUDA
  • 2011 Being restored in Pembroke Dock by the Sunderland Flying Boat Trust

Own this vessel?

If you are the owner of this vessel and would like to provide more details or updated information, please contact info@nationalhistoricships.org.uk

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