SB Wilfred refloated after sinking in storms

The historic boat and popular bar SB Wilfred has sunk at her moorings at Temple Pier on Victoria Embankment, London.  She sank on 4 January 2024 at around midday, and although the exact cause of the sinking is currently unknown, this happened during Storm Henk, which caused widespread flooding and issues for vessels around the country.  

Manager Jorge Gallardo told The Independent: “I’m too upset to speak. It is likely the storm damaged it. We heard it was sinking around midday, one of the crew rushed down but it was too late - the boat couldn’t be saved."

Over the next week or so, plans were put in place to refloat Wilfred, and the operation began on Sunday 14 January, ten days after she sank. This was a major operation involving the Port of London Authority, divers, tugs, and cranes.  As the boat was lying in an awkward position against the pier, this was by no means a straightforward operation. After four days of hard work, Wilfred was finally raised on the afternoon of Wednesday 17 January.

Wilfred is a twin screw motorised general cargo carrier, built by J. Piper of East Greenwich in 1926.  From 1926 to 1949, she worked in the sand and ballast trade out of Dawson Wharf, Greenwich.  In 1938, she was converted to a motor barge, then in 1953, she was re-named STARGATE and sold to Rochester Trading Co. to trade in general cargoes. 

After retirement from the trade in 1970, she passed into private ownership.  In 1983, her name was changed back to Wilfred.  She was refurbished in 1991 and started trading as El Barco Latino, a restaurant ship moored at Temple Pier.  After further name changes, she became Bar&Co, a popular Spanish bar and was the home to Penya Blaugrana London, a supporters club for fans of Barcelona FC in the capital.  

From the Bar&Co website: "We have enjoyed many unforgettable nights at Bar&Co that will stay in our hearts forever. The atmosphere at Bar&Co was second to none and gained the nickname 'Camp-Nou-on-Thames' for a very good reason.  Bar&Co was our home and we loved it, and it will be truly missed by all Penya members and friends."

Sadly, following the sinking, it seems that the business has now closed for good. A crowdfunder has been set up to support the staff who have lost their jobs. 

The future for Wilfred is now uncertain. The owners will need to assess the damage, and make a decision as to whether this is the end for Wilfred, only two years away from reaching her centenary in 2026. 

Photo sourced from fundraising page.