Subsequent name:

Official Number:                    

Class:                                           NIMBLE Class Fleet Tug       

Pennant No:                                 W 172 / A 203              

Laid down:
Builder:                                          Alexander Hall & Co Ltd, Aberdeen
Launched:                                    23 October 1945

Into Service:                           
Out of service:
Fate:                                               29 September 1973 to T W Ward Ltd, Britton Ferry to be broken up

Items of historic interest involving this ship: -

Background Data:

There were 4 ships in this Class, 2 of which saw service as RFA’s. They were designed for ocean towing, salvage and harbour duties and were fitted with spring towing hooks but not with towing winches. Bollard pull was approximately 30 tons. Complement 42.  Armed during wartime with 1 x 12 pdr AA and 2 x 20 mm AA guns.

Career Data:

1945 ordered

23 October 1945 launched by Alexander Hall & Co Ltd, Aberdeen as Yard Nr 705 named HMS CAREFUL

22 August 1946 completed and was based at Devonport

28 December 1951 rescued 9 of the 11 crew of the topsail schooner Nellie Bywater which had capsized and sunk off the Devon Coast in very heavy weather. The other 2 of the schooner's crew were drowned. Able Seaman Albert Henry Willis was awarded the British Empire Medal (Civil Division) London Gazette 6 May 1952 refers for his bravery by jumping into the sea to rescue one of the crew from the schooner, swimming 50 yards towards her, getting a line round her. Getting her back to the tug and seeing her onboard before allowing himself to be pulled back onboard

18 September 1953 sailed Devonport with HMS Zephyr (which sailed from Portland) to RFA Wave Ruler which was disabled with a total loss of all steam off the coast 45 miles of the coast of Oporto, Portugal while on passage from the Persian Gulf  to Swansea

29 August 1956 prepared for passage and service during Operation Musketeer - the Suez Crisis

5 January 1957 at Port Said under the directions of the United Nations along with RFA's Sea Salvor, Salveda (with an RN crew). Kingarth, Uplifter, Kinbrace, Dispencer, Blue Ranger and Spapool 

23 March 1958 deployed from Devonport to assist in the saving of a British m/v Lapwing which has suffered engine failure five miles south west of Stoke Point near Plymouth

1 April 1958 transferred to PAS at Devonport as CAREFUL.

15 January 1960  collided with  RFA BLACK RANGER at Devonport.

6 May 1965 towed by SEA GIANT for lay up at Pembroke Dock.

27 September 1970 approval given to dispose of her

14 June 1973 offered for sale 'as lying' at Pembroke Dock in the Times of this day

July 1973 on the Disposal List at Pembroke Dock.

29 September 1973 sailed Pembroke Dock after sale for £25,250 for demolition by T.W. Ward Ltd, Briton Ferry.