CAPABLE

Shipbuildervessel built by Hall, Russell & Company, Limited (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1864 - 1992)

Shipownervessel built for Admiralty

Date22 November 1945

Object NameTUG

MediumSTEEL

ClassificationsShip

Dimensionslength 165' 5" x breadth 34' 1" depth 18' 7"

Object numberABDSHIP002485

Keywords

Aberdeen Built Ships

About MeYard: Hall, Russell & Co.
Yard Number: 787

Fate: Sold for demolition at Dalmuir, 18 July 1973.

Propulsion: Steam
Description: Nimble class fleet tug, twin screw.

Owners:
1945: Royal Navy, Auxiliary, pennant no. W171 / A508

General History:

Background: There were 4 ships in the Nimble class, 2 of which saw service as RFA's. They were designed for ocean towing, salvage and harbour duties and were fitted with spring towing hooks but not with towing winches. Bollard pull was approximately 30 tons. Complement 42. Armed during wartime with 1 x 12 pdr AA and 2 x 20 mm AA guns

Career:
1945: Ordered
22/11/1945: Launched, naming by Mrs J. G. B. Shand of Cults.
22/08/1946: Completed acceptance trials at Portsmouth
18/04/1951: Deployed to assist in the search for HMS/m AFFRAY which failed to surface in the Channel and subsequently was found sunk off the island of Alderney.
01/04/1958: Transferred to the PAS at Portsmouth as CAPABLE
04/08/1960: With other tugs sailed with HMS VANGUARD in tow from Portsmouth - The Battleship ran aground at Point, Old Portsmouth.
20/05/1962: Twenty two members of the crew refused to man the ship (out of a PAS crew of 28) being in dispute over a pay claim. HMS BELFAST could not sail from Portsmouth as a result.
08/1968: Damaged the frigate HMS ARETHUSA in collision.
30/12/1969: In collision with RFA OLNA (3)
06/1971: On loan at Portland.
27/09/1971: Transferred to Devonport.
06/10/1972: Approval given to dispose of her and destoring began.
03/1973: On the Disposal List Devonport
26/04/1973: Sailed Plymouth for the last time in tow of the tug WARRIOR
18/07/1973: Sold to Arnott Young for demolition at Dalmuir.
(Source: www.historicalrfa.org/ships)

Notes:
Info. from Burntisland Hall Russell Journal, vol 20, no. 2, p. 37:
"The tug is of the powerful twin-screw sea-going "Nimble" class. Oil burning".
Journal has photos of the following:
(1) Launch party
(2) As 'Capable' leaves the ways
(3) View of ship

Not listed in Lloyd's Register of Shipping