The steam tug Cervia is currently part of the Ramsgate Maritime Museum collection. She was built in 1946 and is the last sea going steam tug in UK waters and the last to work commercially, being in operation until 1983.
However, despite restoration works a few years ago the tug is in poor shape below the waterline and resources are not available for the repairs required. Lottery bids have been drawn up but as the Council cannot match the funding bid nor give a long term commitment it is now likely that the tug will be broken down and parts sold off.
The only hope is that someone will be able to purchase the tug, apparently for a nominal sum, and offer it a new home. However, if this does not happen by mid September it seems the tug will die.
Hopefully some history buff with lots of money will buy this tug and not let it go under.
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