Tugboat Cath's joy after sunken boat is finally raised

Cathy Roberts' boat the France Hayhurst sank to the bottom of Canning Dock in Liverpool earlier this year.

The boat has been an attraction in Liverpool for years, but it has also served as Cathy's home since 2005 after she sold her previous property.

A fundraising campaign was launched as part of the rescue operation to raise it from underwater.

The historic tug was successfully raised to the surface last Tuesday (April 11) after 100 days underwater.

Cathy told the Globe: "It was my birthday that day - you don't get much better presents than that.

"Three highly professional teams collaborated to ensure the task could be completed safely and efficiently.

"Brian Clarke of Commercial Boat Services directed the operation to raise her. This followed the draining of Canning Dock by Canal River Trust's team headed by Andy Goudie, Harbour Manager.

"Liverpool South docks based Bluepoint Marine stood by, led by Andy Morley, to take over once the boat had stabilised,to tow the tug to their yard for survey and repair."

Three members of the Marine Radio Museum Society, Bob Bunker, Denis Pacey and Alan Waddington, witnessed the tug's rise to the surface, alongside Cathy.

Local photographer Keith Armitage said: "This is a sight you don't get to see every day. It's been a fascinating experience."

Cathy Roberts' boat the France Hayhurst before it started to sink at the beginning of the year (Image: Cathy Roberts)

Cathy, known as 'Tugboat Cath' who runs Literally Bookshop with long-time partner Peter in New Brighton, spent three and a half years fixing the vessel up.

Cathy continued: "This boat is important to a lot of people and has been used for a lot of events, including the Sea Shanty Festival and Pirate Festival.

"She was built in 1937. I just fell in love with her and decided then that's what I would do with my life for the next few years.

"The bottom of the vessel is resting on the bottom of the dock. To get her up we need to drain the dock, then after the dock is drained a few metres and we'll get hydraulic pumps and use them to pump the water out.

"I don't think we'll ever know what caused the problem. We know we've got a massive, massive challenge to get her surfaced, but the only way is up."

She added: "My family have a background in maritime history. All the men in my family went to sea.

"She means a lot to a lot of people. It's not just me who is invested in the boat."

Many local musicians have performed on the vessel including well-known singer/composer Mark Sebastian D'Lacey.

The Marine Radio Museum Society (Wallasey) has been based on board the tug for the last few years - broadcasting across the world and engaging with the many visitors to the Royal Albert Dock.

Cathy added: "These retired seafarers have incredible tales to tell.

"More recently we have been putting together a funding bid to fully restore the vessel and at the same time promoting the tug as an example of how women in particular can become involved in the maritime and waterways industry.

"Bromborough-based MST have been very supportive with advice and assistance in putting a long-term recovery plan together with further advice offered from Carmet Tugs.

"A lot of historical records concerning the design, build and early operation of the tug are currently held at the Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port."