The Massey Shaw fireboat is currently making
its way to London after undergoing a £1m restoration at Gloucester Docks and is
due to arrive at the West India Dock on Saturday.

The boat, which was
originally built in 1934 for the London Fire Brigade, played a key role in
rescuing soldiers from Dunkirk during World War Two.

The vessel will have a
permanent home on the River Thames and be used as a living museum.

The restoration work
took place after the boat was found abandoned in a London dockyard in the 1980s
and was sunk in the 1990s.

David Robins from T.
Nielson and Company, which carried out the 18-month restoration told the BBC: “We’ve
rebuilt her like-for-like to make her as close as possible to as she was when
she was built.”

Meanhile, the Massey Shaw Society’s David Roger said:
“The boat is a talisman for lots of families.

“In London we will
invite a number of families who have been involved with the vessel over the
years to step aboard where their father or loved one was rescued for or served
aboard the boat.”

Related articles

• Motorcuriser sinks following fire in East Cowes
• Riva Aquarama Lamborghini on the water after three-year restoration
• Junk-rigged yacht restoration open day

Image credit: Matt Gardner