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Registration number
2762
Status
Registered
a12admin
Details
Function
Service Vessel
Subfunction
Fire Float
Location
Rye
Vessel type
Fireboat
Current use
Ongoing conservation
Available to hire
No
Available for excursions
No
Web address
https://betaiiifireboat.com/
Construction
Builder
Merryweather & Sons, Clapham
Built in
1926
Hull material
Wood
Rig
None
Number of decks
1
Propulsion
Motor
Number of engines
1
Primary engine type
Inboard diesel
Boilermaker
None
Dimensions
Length: Overall
69.00 feet
(21.03m)
Breadth: Beam
13.83 feet
(4.22m)
Tonnage: Gross
35.00
History
BETA III is a Thames fire float built in 1926 by Merryweathers of Greenwich. She is the sister ship to MASSEY SHAW, but at 70ft she is 10ft shorter in length. She was involved in fighting fires on the Thames throughout the Second World War, most notatbly a fire at the Tate & Lyle factory. She is believed to be the oldest surviving Thames fire float.
She ceased to be in active service some time in the 1950s and since then has been used as a tourist boat and a houseboat. The original twin engines were replaced by a single 1950s Gardner engine.
At the time of registration, BETA III was out of the water and repairs were being made to her hull. The interior was stripped at an earlier date and will be refitted in due course in order for the vessel to operate as a houseboat. She will then be brought back up to the Thames.
Key dates
-
1926
Vessel commissioned by the London Fire Brigade in 1926 and built by Merryweathers of Greenwich
-
c 1950
Vessel ceased to be in active service and was subsequently used as a tourist boat and a houseboat
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
