This rare shot from my collection taken from the Prince of Wales pier shows the Falmouth Docks and Engineering Company steam tugs John Hamilton and Portwey manoeuvring the docks crane Titania towards Mulberry Quay to discharge a new crane for handling coal at Harris's coal yard.
If you know the date, I estimate 1960, or any other information please contact the Packet.
Sadly, the crane and the John Hamilton are now razor blades, but the Portwey is still afloat in London.
The unique twin screw tug is on the National Historic Ships List. Built in 1927, Portwey saw service in Weymouth for the Portland and Weymouth Coaling Company.
After a brief spell working in Dartmouth, Portwey was acquired by Falmouth Docks. Here she was used with the John Hamilton and the Little Theydon to tow docks marine plant around the port until 1965.
Threatened with being scrapped, this dapper tug was given a reprieve by businessman Richard Dobson of Stoke Gabriel, near Dartmouth. By 1982 she was sold to the Maritime Trust and berthed in St Katherine's Dock.
In June 2000, the Portwey Trust, a limited company and registered charity, was set up to take over ownership from the Maritime Trust.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article