News
Historic Thames Fireboat
25 September 2012
Restoration of the historic Thames fireboat, and National Historic Fleet vessel, the Massey Shaw is nearing completion.
Sea trials are planned for next month and the boat will then return to the Thames.
The former London Fire Brigade vessel was a familiar sight on the river from the 1930s onwards and found fame at Dunkirk as part of the flotilla which saved allied troops during the Second World War.
The Massey Shaw Preservation Society has spent several years in fund-raising and restoring the historic vessel. Work has been undertaken during the past year at Tommi Nielsen's yard in Gloucester.
Once sea trails are over, the plan is to bring her back to the Thames where she will be berthed on a permanent mooring. The trust's David Rogers said: "We're delighted we're so close to sea trials. To get this far has involved a lot of work and there is still more to do, but we are very pleased with progress.
"The next step is to find a permanent berth on the Thames where she will open to the public and become an educational facility."
This item was taken from River Thames News, 25 Sep 2012.
