A Notice to Mariners, issued by the Harbour Master on behalf of the Environment Agency recently, notified them that vessel RML 526 had sunk at its moorings in Strand Quay and could constitute a danger to shipping. Fortunately, it had remained secured to its moorings and has since been refloated.
She has lain at moorings for many years, initially undergoing work to restore her to her original WW2 profile. The cost of restoration, however, spiralled beyond even the deep pockets of her owners and for some time she has been abandoned to rot and with harbour dues left unpaid. The Harbour Master, on behalf of the Environment Agency has served notice that unless the owners take action to remove the vessel with 48 hours of March 22 (which they have not done) it will be subject to legal distraint, removed and destroyed as a survey of condition has revealed that the hull is irreparably damaged.
It is probable therefore that before too long this familiar sight in Strand Quay will be removed; but before it can be disposed of, a further inspection will be required to ensure that it is free of contamination.
The 112ft long vessel is of considerable historical interest. It was built in 1942 at the Solent Shipyard on the River Hamble, leading to Southampton Water, to a then revolutionary design incorporating the use of plywood in the frames of the ship’s hull. Such vessels, known as Rescue Motor Launches, were used during the Second World War on convoy protection duties and for recovering downed aircrew in the seas around Britain. It has been reported that RML 526 was later used as a target towing vessel for gunnery practice.
Decommissioned in 1946, RML 526 served in successive conversions as an ambulance launch, a smugglers vessel, a private yacht and as a ferry operating between Brixham and Torquay. An arrangement had been made with the Royal Navy to conserve the ship as only one of five remaining examples of its class still in UK waters, but sadly this fell through at the last moment.
