Alan's Boatyard

Brief History

Cervia (II) ex Empire Raymond

Built: 1946 Alexander Hall & Co. Aberdeen. (for Ministry of War Transport) Yard No: 709 Length (ft): 105.2 Beam (ft): 27.1 Depth (ft): 11.1 GRT: 233 Call Sign: GDPM Official No: 180997 Engine: 900 ihp 3 cylinder triple expansion by Alexander Hall. (could be converted to use Oil instead of Coal) Launched: 30th April 1946 FOREMOST Class of EMPIRE Tugs built to replace and supplement Tugs lost during 2nd World War. Virtually identical to SUN XVI and SUN XVII both build at the same time as CERVIA but had very minor differences to CERVIA including Tripod Masts, so a model of either could be built from the same plans. Acquired by William Watkins Ltd in 1946 to replace Tug lost during War. From October 1946 to May 1947 working with the name EMPIRE RAYMOND. Renamed CERVIA in May 1947 (you may see this information listed differently including that 'she never worked as the E/R', but I have a friend, a retired Tug Captain who worked on her as cabin boy in 1946/47). 1950 acquired by Ship Towage (London) Ltd as part of buy out of Watkins. 25th October 1954, SUNK (Girted) while undocking P&O liner ARCADIA at Tilbury (Skipper & 4 crew lost), but was refloated on 28th October 1954, repaired and carried on working. (Girting, is when a Tug is pulled sideways by the vessel she is towing and capsizes.) 1969 acquired by London Tugs Ltd again as part of Company buy out. 1972 Sold to go into preservation but was returned to work in 1973 by International Towage Ltd. 1985 into preservation at Ramsgate Harbour (still there in 2002). CERVIA (I) The first CERVIA (to be owned by William Watkins) was built in 1925. Originally owned by the Gravesend United Steam Tug Co. named TAMESA. Purchased by W. Watkins, in 1937 (renamed CERVIA in 1938) and was sold in 1946, renamed MONTY, then LADY ELSIE, finally LADY HAZEL, scrapped in 1963.

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