Registration number 2483
Status Registered
a12admin

Details

Function Service Vessel
Subfunction Tug
Location Askam in Furness
Current use Private use
Available to hire No
Available for excursions No
Info required Yes

Construction

Built in 1905
Hull material Steel
Rig None
Number of decks 2
Number of masts 1
Propulsion Motor
Number of engines 1
Primary engine type Inboard diesel
Boiler type None
Boilermaker None

Dimensions

Breadth: Beam
14.00 feet (4.27m)
Length: Overall
66.43 feet (20.26m)

History

SEVERN IRIS is a tug of steel construction built in 1905 in Falmouth. She was originally steam driven but had a Gardner diesel engine installed in the 1980s.

The vessel was rebuilt in 1946 by the Gloucester Dock Company and operated on the River Severn pulling petrol tanker barges from Sharpness to Stourport on Severn.

In 1985 she was due to be broken up but was rescued by Jonathon Pardoe and Christine Ross who took three years to convert her and for twelve years she was grounded in the Duddon Estuary in Cumbria.  Despite being deemed unseaworthy due to a compromised hull and large areas that had pitted and thinned out by rust, new private owners bought SEVERN IRIS in 2017 and have lived aboard her since then.  Conservation work has included maintaining the vessel's hull, decks and infrastructure together with replacing the side and rear doors.  They have had to build a steel roof over the original to help prevent leaks (the original roof remains) and the vessel is double-moored next to the pier at Askam-in-Furness in Cumbria.  

The gear box was disconnected from the engine before she was purchased, but the engine remains in situ.

We are lacking information on this particular vessel. If you have any information on this vessel past or present, please contact us.

Key dates

  • 1905 Built in Falmouth
  • 1946 Rebuilt by Gloucester Dock Company
  • 1985/1988 Converted to 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