Once part of the RAF’s Air Sea Rescue service, the 63-foot “whaleback” rescue boat, believed to be the last of its kind, was discovered half-sunk in the Norfolk Broads.

Named for their appearance, whalebacks were designed to cut across rough seas at high speed to reach downed pilots whose planes had ditched into the water.

Members of the boat's rescue team - Mike, Nick, Colin, Tim, Kevin (l-r)​ (Image: Steve Hale) FROM SALVAGE TO SALHOUSE BROAD

After the war, the boat’s military glory gave way to a colourful civilian life, but it eventually slipped into obscurity, forgotten and slowly decaying in a river cut near Horning.

The discovery and rescue are the result of years of research and detective work by project leader Steve Hale, from South Oxfordshire, whose father served in the Air Sea Rescue service.

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After tracking down the boat's location through word of mouth and Google Maps, he was able to gain permission from the owner, a local businessman, to attempt a salvage........

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