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The Tilbury Incident - 25 October 1954
In Memory
William Russell MBE, Captain age 48
Leonard Strickland, Mate, age 27
Thomas Cormack, Second Engineer, age 36
Bertie Morgan, Fireman, age 27
Ernest Povey, Cook, age 17
The Tilbury Incident - 25 October 1954
The Steam Tug Cervia was employed at Tilbury docks in London, at night time. Cervia was involved in the undocking of the P&O liner Arcadia, towing the liner away stern first from her landing stage.
During this manoeuvre, without warning the Arcadia had gone full ahead to avoid collision with the oncoming liner P&O liner Orcades. The resulting wash caused Cervia to be dragged over ‘Girted’ and sank. Despite valiant efforts to release the towing hawser, Captain Russell, MBE and four of her crew died.
Despite the dark, another Watkins owned tug, Steam Tug Challenge, managed to rescue the three surviving crew. John James Boyd, William Allen and George Baker.
The subsequent court of enquiry into the case, recorded that the deaths were accidental, and the sinking was caused by the failure of a quick release pin on her towing hook.
On 28 October the Cervia was salvaged. The tug was raised from the Thames riverbed, and she was taken to Claxton’s Ltd in Ramsgate for a refit and then subsequently returned to service.
Commemoration Service - 26th October 2024
The Trust held a Service of commemoration, at St Georges Church, Gravesend on the 70th anniversary of the incident, 26th October 2024, of the tragic sinking and loss of life. The service was well attended by Family members, Trustee's, Dignitaries and both serving and retired tuggies. A reef was laid at the Merchant Navy Memorial Plaque, Gravesend. A permanent plaque has been commissioned and will be dedicated in the memorial garden. The Cervia is maintained as memorial for all Lightermen and Watermen, who have lost their lives at work.