RML 497 (motor launch)
RML 497, then known as MV The Fairmile, sailing on Tor Bay approaching Torquay Harbour in 2014 | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | |
| Name |
|
| Owner |
|
| Route | Torquay – River Dart |
| Builder | Southampton Steam Joinery Ltd |
| Launched | 1941 |
| In service | July 1942 |
| Refit | 1947, 2009 |
| Identification | IMO number: 8633906 |
| Status | Currently under restoration in Hartlepool |
| General characteristics | |
| Class & type | Fairmile B motor launch |
| Type | Twin-screw motor vessel |
| Tonnage | 108 GRT |
| Length | 111.9 ft (34.1 m) LOA |
| Beam | 18.3 ft (5.6 m) |
| Draught | 4.6 ft (1.4 m) |
| Decks | 2 |
| Propulsion | Twin Gardner 6LXB diesels |
| Speed | Originally 20 knots |
| Capacity | 175 passengers |
RML 497 (Rescue Motor Launch number 497) is a former Royal Navy Fairmile B motor launch from World War II. She was named Western Lady III on her entry to civilian service, as a passenger motor vessel for Western Lady Ferry Service. From 2009 to 2015, she operated as The Fairmile for Greenway Ferry on their day cruise route from Torquay and Brixham to Dartmouth and Greenway. In May 2013, she was returned to her original wartime appearance. Torbay's "ferry wars" forced her removal from service, and in December 2015, RML 497 was acquired by the National Museum of the Royal Navy.