A BOAT which took part in the Dunkirk evacuation during the Second World War was nearly defeated by the Thames tide more than 70 years later.
Motor yacht Wairakei II crossed the Channel to rescue about 150 soldiers in 1939, but on Sunday it went aground at Brentford.
Lifeboatmen had to go to the aid of the 52ft vessel, which stuck fast on the mud near the Grand Union Canal entrance.
Five adults, two children and two dogs were taken off by Chiswick RNLI as the 26.5 ton boat listed to starboard.
Wairakei II, which was built in 1932 and is based in London, is due to sail in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant on Sunday. It will be with other boats from the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships as 1,000 vessels commemorate the Queen’s 60 years as monarch.
The incident was Chiswick RNLI station’s 1,000th rescue since it started its emergency service on the river in January 2002.
Station helmsman Mark Finnis said: “Reaching this milestone in persons rescued in our 10th year is a great achievement, made even more memorable when dealing with such an historic vessel.”
Photo by Hans Styrnell
