Registration number 2856
Status Registered
a12admin

Details

Function Service Vessel
Subfunction Inspection Launch
Location Manchester
Current use Ongoing conservation
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No

Construction

Builder Pimblott, Isaac & Co Ltd, Northwich
Built in 1949
Rig None
Number of decks 1
Propulsion Motor
Number of engines 1
Primary engine type Diesel
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Length: Overall
33.50 feet (10.21m)
Breadth: Beam
8.08 feet (2.46m)
Depth
3.33 feet (1.02m)
Air Draft
6.50 feet (1.98m)

History

MSC SPRITE was built as an Inspection Launch by Isaac Pimblott in 1949 and is a vessel of blue steel construction with a Russell Newbury diesel engine.She was one of a class of three vessels built for the Manchester Ship Canal Company shortly after the Second World War. They were all given pixie names beginning with S, the other 2 were MSC SYLPH and MSC SYRINX. These small handy vessels were used for many purposes, MSC Sprite although allocated to be the company chairman's launch was used along with the others in various roles, including, directors launch, inspection launch, survey launch, tug and ferry, before being sold off. It is believed  that she is the only one left in existence . She was in use as a tug towing barges loaded with colliery spoil on the Leigh branch of the Bridgewater Canal in the 1970s.

Key dates

  • 1949

    Built by Isaac Pimblott & Son of Northwich

  • 1949/1970s

    Worked on the Manchester Ship Canal in various roles

  • 1970s

    Bought by present owner

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