A VESSEL which sailed into history when she carried Sir Winston Churchill’s coffin at his state funeral will return to the water today.

The Havengore has been at Gillingham Marina for the last four weeks so F Parhams could carry out a service. The decks also had to undergo repair work due to leaks.

British businessman Chris Ryland owns the vessel, which is now a prestige river transport and hospitality venue based on the Thames which can carry up to 30 passengers.

She contains the latest navigational aids, new safety equipment has been installed and two emergency exits constructed.

The Havengore is an ex-Port of London Authority hydrographic survey launch and ceremonial vessel.

She was commissioned by the PLA in 1955 and built along traditional lines in teak over an oak frame on the Thames by Tough Bros at Teddington.

The vessel saw her greatest role in 1965 when she was used to carry the coffin of Sir Winston Churchill from Tower Pier to Festival Pier on the River Thames as part of his state funeral.

Following this honour, the Havengore became the longest serving PLA vessel, before finally being decommissioned in 1995.