A preserved 71-year-old motor torpedo boat, once the fastest vessel in the Royal Navy, had a narrow escape at the weekend
A preserved 71-year-old motor torpedo boat, once the fastest vessel in the Royal Navy, had a narrow escape at the weekend. MTB102 was holed at the waterline when she hit a heavy floating log while approaching Sandwich.
Only quick action by her skipper, who dived underwater in the forepeak to plug the hole with bedding, prevented MTB102 from sinking. She was pumped out and slipped for temporary repairs before sailing the following day for her home in Lowestoft where permanent repairs will be carried out.
MTB102, which is on the Core Collection of the National Register of Historic Vessels, was the prototype Vosper motor torpedo boat and is also a veteran of the Dunkirk evacuation.
