A historic vessel which saved the lives of more than 100 people while in service is now looking for a new owner. 

The ex-Penlee RNLI lifeboat was built in 1930 and came to Harwich in 2013 when veteran Harwich sailor Rod Shaw bought the vessel to restore it. 

Sadly, the boat had been vandalised, adding to the restoration cost, and was sold in early 2024 to boat and car enthusiast Tyla Edward. 

He and his friend wanted to salvage parts of the boat and find a new owner, who would be able to save it and return it to its original home in Cornwall. 

Gazette: Damage - The ex-Penlee lifeboat had been vandalised, adding to the restoration costDamage - The ex-Penlee lifeboat had been vandalised, adding to the restoration cost

Mr Edwards had put the boat up for sale on the internet and soon found a potential buyer, who came all the way from Sussex to see it.

Unfortunately, the sale did not go ahead as planned, Mr Edward said, leaving him on the lookout for yet another buyer who can care for the vessel and its restoration. 

“I just want to sell it to someone who will do the work as this vessel is of historic importance. My friend Malcolm and I just want to sell it,” he said. 

“I won’t be advertising it online at this moment. It’s just a hull ready for refit or a potential houseboat project. 

“I don’t want to end up breaking it up, so £500 is what I want to get back out of it. It is a lot of history for £500.” 

The boat is recorded on the National Register of Heritage Boars and has had an outstanding career, with notable war service. 

Gazette: Deal - Tyla Edwards, second left, was planning to sell the vessel to Chris Pullar,, right, and his fellow restorer Chloe Clevett (Image: Chris Pullar)Deal - Tyla Edwards, second left, was planning to sell the vessel to Chris Pullar,, right, and his fellow restorer Chloe Clevett (Image: Chris Pullar) (Image: Chris Pullar)

During the Second World War, the former Watson Class was called out to various casualties including the Canadian warship HMCS Temme off Cape Cornwall and the German U-boat U-1209 which ran aground at Wolf Rock in the hope of finding an enigma machine. 

It also holds the record of being the longest-serving lifeboat on a single lifeboat station and heroically saved the crew aboard the HMS Warspite which ran aground on its way to the scrapyard on the River Clyde. 

Anyone interested in purchasing the ex-Penlee boat can contact Mr Edward on 07904 782221.