Name Fiona B

FIONA B was an Admiralty harbour service launch, built in 1938. Her hull was of double diagonal mahogany planking on oak frames, and was copper sheathed. She had riveted steel bulkheads, a superstructure, a pointed bow with a plumb straight stem, and a transom stern.

She served as a ferry on the River Tees whilst the Transporter Bridge was receiving its annual refit.  She is believed to have been stationed at HMS DOLPHIN in Portsmouth and may well have taken part in the evacuation from the Dunkirk beaches in 1940. From 1971 to 1978, the vessel was based on the River Tyne. In 1978 she was owned by S Thomson and moved to Hartlepool, where she was used as a fishing boat available for day hire dropping crab and lobster pots on our way our and collecting them on the way home. 

From 2015-2026, FIONA B was located in the Medway town of Hoo, having been converted to a liveaboard by her final owner, Cheri Wood. Her engine was a Cummins NH252 diesel, with six cylinders and 250 brake horsepower. In January 2026 she was disposed after the site was redeveloped. 

Although this vessel has been disposed, please contact us if you have any details past or present to add to the vessel record.