Mabel E Holland - has been lost!

[milltech]

Mabel E Holland the Watson lifeboat that went around the world twice under David Scott-Cowper has disappeared. That is to say, the Lifeboat Enthusiast Society and the Historic Lifeboat Association have both lost track.

We're trying to find her for the Lifeboat Rally this year so if anyone has seen her or knows the owner can they let me know. She used to be bright yellow with an orange superstructure but may have been painted, and was last seen on the Thames.

Ta.

 

[seafarer]

I noticed a craft on a berth last weekend at Medway Bridge Marina (01634 843576)that would fit your description. I confess that I don't know the name of it though.

 

[milltech]

They claim not to have a boat of that name, and there was a kind of silence when I asked if they had any old lifeboats, (so I may not have got the truth and they may have changed the name).

I'm looking for a pic at the moment.

Thanks for your help.

 

[longjohnsilver]

There was one in West Bay a year or so back, it may have been her.

 

[milltech]

Also, I'd like to apologise to anyone who thought it meant sunk. I realised the marine connotation of "lost" but the system said I was too late to go and edit same.

 

[milltech]

Mabel traced to Bow Creek, (wherever that is).

 

[Bejasus]

see here.

 

[milltech]

Charming! Is that a marina or a Canal entrance?

 

[Bejasus]

I don't suppose all of the Lee or Lea is all that bad, but I have a suspicion that the boat you are looking for, may well be in an area similar to that one. It's pretty much all like that through London all the way to the Thames.

 

[jhr]

River Lea gets much nicer as you go further North. I used to live in Waltham Abbey, just on the edge of North London, and a walk through the Lea Valley Park and/or trips to places like Broxbourne and Nazeing was a regular relaxation at the weekend.

 

[milltech]

Yes that does look very scenic. My wife was born at Broxbourne but I don't think she's ever been back!

 

[Mirelle]

David Scott-Cowper?

I have lost touch with him but I would think he still has Ocean Bound. I think he lives in the Newcastle-on-Tyne area, when in England. Mabel was pretty tired when she got back for the second time, and he did say that he planned to donate her to a museum in that area. I think that at the moment he is in the Northwest passage, in Polarbound, attempting the combined NE/NW passage

 

[milltech]

Re: David Scott-Cowper?

Yes I think he did donate her, then somewhere along the line she was sold, more than once I think. My understanding is that he has bought McGruers yard and trades as DSC Marine there.

I believe he's home on dry land, but I'm not entirely sure. However in part this search for the boat, which I put on here for a another lifeboaty man, is because DSC would like to see her again.

 

[Nat]

My Companys situated on top of Bow creek Ill have a quick look for her if you like.
.........Nat

 

[longjohnsilver]

Might be wrong but isn't\there a Bow Creek up the Dart?

 

[jhr]

Pretty sure I recall a Bow Bridge - with a pub just beside it - near Totnes, so I guess it could well be situated on Bow Creek. But I reckon in this case it's the Essex one, if the boat was previously on the Thames.

 

[Mirelle]

Ah.

Not the first time I have heard that sort of story.

Pity.

 

[jimg]

She was about on the Dart for a while, but I have not seen her for a while. I guess I could potter up to Bow Creek in the dory if you thought she was there ( when it stops raining! ).

 

[Duckpatrol]

I work on the Thames and the Mabel E Holland is moored either just inside the mouth of Bow Creek or behind the pontoon below Trinity Wharf (The old Lighthouse training establishment). She's been there since I've work here (3 years) and rarely moves. She is yellow/orange hulled and a bit shabby now.
Hope this helps.

 

[milltech]

Thanks, that's a very helpful contribution. We need to track down the owner so anything you discover would be of interest.
Thanks again.