VIC 96 as found

Lying neclected in the Steamship Museum at Maryport, Cumbria, the VIC 96 was in urgent need of repair to prevent her loss. Twelve people have come to her rescue and formed The VIC 96 Trust to repair her and steam her back to Chatham, where she worked for many years.

The VIC 96 (Victualling Inshore Craft) was built in 1945 by Richard Dunston Ltd. of Thorne - it is on the Designated Vessel List of the National Historic Ships Committee. Only a few other VICs are thought to survive, from 98 built. The first VIC design was based on the Scottish puffer used since the late 19th century, and this design was later modified in a second, larger series such as VIC 96.

The Trust members come from truly diverse backgrounds but we all have a common desire to see VIC 96 steaming again very soon, and now the majority of urgent repairs are complete.

SEEDA (South East England Development Agency) have generously given us a berth in Chatham Dockyard, No. 1 basin and now we're home, we can continue to restore her getting to grips with the bigger jobs!

If you have information about the VIC 96, her crew or working life PLEASE get in touch and help us bring her past to life! We'd love to hear from you.