The vessel was built by J.S Watson, Gainsborough on the River Trent in
1939 as a non-propelled salvage lighter , her yard number was 1512, and she was measured as 84grt, 48nrt, 72ft x 22ft. O.N. 166890
She was built on behalf of the Kings Lynn Conservancy Board and was named “K.L.C.B. No. 7” and when built she did not have an engine and was moved around by tug.
She was later motorised in 1955 following the installaton of a Gardner 8L33 diesel engine of 152bhp.
The KLCB disposed of her at some time in the late 1980's and her history following sale is uncertain, she was however bought by her current owners in Fort William in 2002 and then moved to Bembridge on the Isle Of Wight where she is being converted.
The owners have told me that the Gardiner engine is still in working and that they intend to keep her as a working vessel.
Her red oxide hull is also going to be painted blue (to match her original working colours) at some point in the future,
My special thanks to the local harbour board and Sirius's owners for their kind assistance in the progression of this blog.
Photographed 28 October 2013.