Story
This tug, salvage was built in 1941 by Cochrane & Sons Ltd. in Selby, Yorkshire.
Historical Notes
This vessel was launched on June 22, 1940. As Hermes this vessel was in the Swedish Register. While some internet sources list this vessel as having been a naval vessel during the Second World War there is no reliable source for this information - and it is highly questionable whether or not this is true. This name is listed in the vessel history but readers should not rely on its accuracy in light of complete skepticism of it being true. Bryon Taylor states "This part of the service was excluded from the official histories, but it seems that two books have recently been published: The Tattie Lads by Ian Dear and Admiralty Salvage in Peace and War by Tony Booth. Both authors had access to the official records but the summaries do not indicate if they contain a list of vessels. " this vessel is not listed in the definitive list of Royal Navy vessels by Colledge & Warlow. Perhaps the vessel was canceled on the builders slipway before completion?
Owners & Masters
In 1941-1947 she served as a rescue/salvage tug owned by Royal Navy.
In 1947 she was sold into merchant service.
In 1960 she was owned by Swedish company.
In 1969 she was transferred to Canada from Swedish owners.
In 1969-1980 she was owned by Rivtow Marine Ltd., Vancouver BC Canada.
In 1982-1986 she was owned by Rivtow Industries Ltd., Vancouver BC Canada.
In 1986 she was owned by Bill Church, Vancouver BC Canada.
In 1987-2020 she was owned by V.O.S. Leasing Ltd., Richmond BC Canada.
Rebuilds
In 1962 she was rebuilt at Holland.
References
- Government of Canada The Canadian Navy List Ottawa ON
- www.humberpacketboats.co.uk ↗
- recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca ↗ (website viewed 17/08/2025)
