A campaign to revive a historic steam tug has been delivered a major blow as their funding bid has been turned down.

The 80-year-old tug named Cervia has spent the last 40 years at Ramsgate harbour after retiring from active operations and is the last sea-going steam tug to survive in UK waters.

Having fallen into a state of disrepair, the the current owner announced in June that unless

an alternative solution was put forward, he would begin deconstructing the vessel.

The Steam Tug Cervia Preservation Trust has been fighting to keep the ship afloat and carry out much-needed repairs, however members fear this “could be the end”.

Chairman of the trust, Bob Lane, said: “Since February this year, we have been in close contact with the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) to secure funding.”

“However, we are informed that our application was not supported by the Board at their meeting last week”

He added: “Not only was this very disappointing, it was quite a surprise.

The campaigners’ plan for the boat was to remoor it in Gravesend, where the ship spent the first 25 years of its career.

They had obtained an agreement in principle from Gravesham Council for its relocation, and had produced a business plan.

But their vital funding bid was turned down, Mr Lane says, due to the “risk of increased repair costs and future maintenance costs”, as well as needing stronger support from Gravesend Council, to ensure the plan is sustainable for the longer term.

Fellow Trustee Dave Walton, stated: “We are under no illusion that this could mean the end for this historic tug.

“Whilst this is a disappointment, we continue to explore other possibilities, and are actively in contact with a number of potential supporters to see if they can help with raising the necessary funds or finding a suitable alternative solution.

“Just to repair the hull, which is in poor condition, could cost £200,000, without doing anything else.”

‘We are under no illusion that this could mean the end for this historic tug...’

“If anyone has any serious proposals to help with the significant sums needed, or

innovative alternative solutions to rescuing the vessel, please get in touch via our website.”

The ship weighs more than 350 tonnes and was the last steam tug to work commercially.

Her last job was as port tug to the new cross-channel ferry service at Ramsgate, providing assistance to ferries in adverse weather conditions.