Island-mainland sea tractor undergoes refurbishment
BBCA sea tractor in Devon that connects a small island and its hotel with the mainland has undergone major refurbishment ahead of the summer season.
The Burgh Island sea tractor was originally built in 1969 and transports passengers daily across the 270 yards (250m) from the island to Bigbury-on-Sea.
The restoration included a complete rebuild of the superstructure, new flooring, refurbished stairs, updated life buoys, and a full strip-down to bare metal.
Shane Edgcombe, the tractor's engineer, said they had "found a lot more corrosion" than expected, which delayed the works but they hoped it would be back up and running on Friday.
'Ahead of its time'
Mr Edgcombe said the vehicle, which can carry up to 30 people, was "specifically designed" for its purpose and was well ahead of its time" when it was built by Robert Jackson CBE 56 years ago.
He said the tractor's "engine and the hydraulics" had been replaced a couple of times but the main chassis was original and still in good shape, which he said was testament to the original work by Mr Jackson.
Mr Edgcombe added that "corrosion" had been their "main enemy" during the project.
"It's a lot of work keeping up with it and she's not getting any younger, so it's a bit more of a handful than it used to be to look after."
Giles Fuchs, owner of Burgh Island Hotel, said he was proud that they were able to "safeguard a unique symbol of coastal life" to "ensure it will continue to serve for generations to come".
The hotel added "the latest update was prompted to ensure the sea tractor remains a reliable and safe means of transport for the island's guests".
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