The disintegration of MTB 683 inevitably continues - this shot was taken on the 15th June 2006 showing the further ravishes of time. Built as an MTB July 1943, transfered to RAF May 1945 - fitted out as Long Range Rescue Craft - LRRC 030. Destroyed by fire (after being converted to a Restaurant) Lying at Chatham UK

Hello,

Did not know that the Chatham D had been converted to a resturant, well, would have been different, but perhaps it was thought it would not be viable, and someone left the chip pan on!

John Kempton 

Hello John

The 'Restaurant' story came from talking to the Garage owner shown in the previous set of pictures (on page 1 of "Any Dog Boats Still Around" - Forum Topic started by member 'Jim'). Not quite sure of what changes to the interior were made but several major Bulkheads were left in situ so any seating arrangements would have been 'comfy' I would guess - maybe one of our readers may have had a meal on board?

Hi,

 Would it be worth stripping and leaving in a barn?

 Don't think another D likely to show up & who knows, one day people may actually value these boats?

 After all, the SS Great Britain was a total wreck 25yrs ago. look at it now

Hi,

Just posted under Google earth re D etc, well, might be a few bits worth having need to go and have a look at low water sometime, on a more positive note, talked about trying to get shall we say, more whole vessels saved! perhaps along the Dunkirk little ships lines, although a number have been lost and are lying abandoned about, there are quite a number saved mostly in private hands, I mentioned the BMPT and the new centre at Poole, and I know they have tried to co-ordinate with others in the past. As ever, I should say that there is sterling work being done on vessels now, ie MTB 102, Medusa and MGB 81, 

John