Kevin has sent me this nice photo of the Algerine Class minesweeper entering the Tyne to be broken up 02/08/1959. She is just passing the Lawe at South Shields and appears to be not under command (two black balls?) but no tug present. According to one of Buggins' posts she was towed from Malta by NOORDZEE and broken up by JJ King at Gateshead. King is confirmed by JJ Colledge, however HT Lenton says she was sold to CW Dorkin, also of Gateshead. We know from previous posts that these to yards were next to each other near the Redheugh & King Edward Bridges.


I then tried to see if there was anything in the local press and got a confirmation of Dorkin. However this press report also mentions HMS FIERCE and that she and STORMCLOUD were both built on the Tyne, whereas they were Clyde built. So King or Dorkin, take your choice.

Well there must be a tug somewhere, maybe alongside and well hidden from view?

Tyne pilots books show Stormcloud for Kings with Fierce for Dorkin, the latter being towed from Malta by Van Dorp.