Wreck of the MV Chica, above Dutton Locks

The MV Chica was originally launched in 1894 as the Flora, a wooden sailing general cargo vessel at Rolf Sjoasaether yard in Surendalen, Norway. Dimensions: 73.3 ft long, 20.6 ft beam, 8.8 ft draft. In 1937 a 61 BHP Engine installed in Bergen Norway, and in 1940 her name was changed to Lifa. She was used by the German navy during the occupation of Norway second world war. In 1965 her name was changed to Lill Tove, and was still Norwegian owned. In 1977 she was sold to The Strait Shipping Company of Gibraltar, and British registered. She traded between Gibraltar and North Africa and Barbary coast. In 1981 she was renamed Chica and certificated to carry 12 passengers, with accommodation below and a deck house saloon mess room built amidships. She sailed to the Dee Port of Mostyn North Wales, and then moved to England, and based at Weston Point Docks began very popular three day passenger cruises on the River Weaver up to Anderton and back with passengers from all over the world. She was laid up at Dutton Locks for a minor refit, flooded overnight and sank in March 1993. British Waterways served writ and ordered her removal within twenty eight days. The owners did not comply with the order and abandoned all responsibility. This information was originally posted on the (now-defunct) website http://www.duttonlocks.co.uk, and was compiled from information supplied by Les Bailey of Northwich and the Norwegian ship historical society.

Photograph taken by Andrew Instone-Cowie in June 2003 and was added to the database on Wednesday the 8th of June, 2005

This photo is one of 10 of Dutton Locks No 4 on the River Weaver (Main Line) [Previous | Next]