Built 1945/6 by A Hall & Co.Ltd, Aberdeen for the Ministry of War Transport, CERVIA was built as sea going tug for use as a fleet auxiliary she retains her original triple expansion steam engine by A Hall & Co.Ltd. Purchased 1947 by Wm.Watkins, London and employed in towing duties in and between ports on both sides of the English Channel, she was sunk in 1950 while towing the P&O liner Arcadia with the loss of the Master and 4 crew; later refloated and repaired she resumed her work on the Thames.

CERVIA was sold to the Medway Maritime Museum in 1972 but resumed commercial service a year later with International Towing Limited. In 1985 she was offered to the East Kent Maritime Museum on an initial 10 year loan.

She is now open to the public at Smeatons Dry Dock, Ramsgate. 1/1/07
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Photo copyright Ben @ riverthames.co.nr