Air-Sea Rescue Launch 2605 “On the Wonk” on the Deben

raf launch ww2 service river deben historic vessel at risk

A report from the River Deben shows former wartime air-sea rescue launch 2605 in a deteriorating condition and no longer rising with the tide.

Published 18 August 2026

A report shared from the River Deben in August 2026 shows air-sea rescue launch 2605 sitting heavily in the water and described as being "on the wonk".

According to the report, the vessel has sunk onto the riverbed: when the tide comes in she does not lift, and as it falls water can be seen pouring out in several places. The owner is reported to have walked away from the vessel a couple of years ago.

Launch 2605 is identified in the post as a Second World War air-sea rescue vessel which saw action while based in Malta. In later life, she is also reported to have been used to carry fuel out to the offshore radio station Radio Caroline.

The photograph records the vessel’s condition on the Deben in August 2026 and highlights the uncertain future facing another surviving wartime craft.

Source and photograph: Mike Whitby
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