Historic Dunkirk tugboat desperately needs repairs

The Challenge was involved in the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940

The owner of a steam tugboat which participated in the pivotal Dunkirk evacuation says the vessel is in "desperate need of repairs" as it is one of the last operational steam tugs in the country.

The Challenge played a key role in Operation Dynamo, where more than 338,000 British and French soldiers were evacuated from the French coast to the UK from 26 May to 4 June 1940.

The tug boat, which was built in1931 by Scottish shipbuilder Alexander Hall, is currently moored on the River Medway in Chatham, near the Sun Pier House.

Chris Bannister, owner of the vessel and founder of the Steam Boat Trust, said he needed £35,000 to restore it otherwise this "vital piece of history will be lost".

Chris Bannister, owner of the Challenge, said he hoped to open the tugboat to the public to educate them about the vessel's history

Mr Bannister said he aimed to restore the boat and open it to the public for educational purposes.

"The funds will go towards immediate and ongoing maintenance and repair work on the Challenge," Mr Bannister said.

"This vessel is living proof of the sacrifices troops made and it is a symbol of a resilience and determination shown by an entire generation."

Currently, the Steam Boat Trust has raised nearly £2,000.

'Labour of love'

Mr Bannister said he had owned the vessel for five years and had spent £200,000 of his own savings to repair and maintain it.

"It is a labour of love," he said, "I have always loved marine steam engines.

"Two weeks after I purchased the Challenge, it started to sink and I spent £25,000 to keep it afloat."

Mr Bannister said the Challenge needed repairs for the condenser and vacuum pump, which are critical components that maintain the steam system.

He added he and a team of volunteers are also carrying out paint work and adding other key elements to prevent corrosion.

Mr Bannister said the money would also go towards keeping the boat's generator running.

"As the Challenge is moored mid-river, it relies on the generator to keep water, electricity and toilets running," he added.

Mr Bannister said he and a group of volunteers were repairing the boat with the available funds they have

He said the vessel did not qualify for the Heritage Lottery Fund as it was not currently open to the public.

"It is not open to the public because it desperately needs major repairs," Mr Bannister explained.

"The Challenge has a really fascinating history. It still bears the scars of a V1 flying bomb attack in 1944," he added.