The Story of S-130, The Last Surviving German E-Boat from WWII

This video walks us through the story of the S-130, believed to be the last surviving S-boat, S-Boot, or Schnellboot, which means “fast boat.” The S-130 was most famous for its participation in Exercise Tiger and its operational history, which lasted into the Cold War.

History

The boat’s owner, Kevin Wheatcroft, talks about his fascination with S-boats even as a young boy. He talks about the S-130’s history, being the longest surviving naval craft in continuous use, and her involvement in Exercise Tiger, during D-day when it did mercy missions until it was finally pensioned off as a houseboat due to old age. He says the British Military Power Boat Trust eventually rescued the boat before acquiring it through the Wheatcroft Collection.

What eventually followed was a 10-year search for its original engines, propellers, multiple gun platforms, torpedo tubes, torpedoes, and similar equipment, along with below-deck equipment like radios.

Restoration

In 2009, the ship was finally pulled out from the water stripped of her post-war modifications, and planked partially stripped, assessing the condition of the hull. She was then fitted with a new keel and all the needed materials were bought for its restoration.

Wheatcroft says that after the successful purchase, and a four-year operation with the local authorities, they’re in a position to submit for planning permission. While he has no idea how long the entire process will take, they will then start the restoration of the dry dock and start building the S130’s new permanent home. He says that if things go according to plan, the dock and boat will take the same period to complete. Once the S130 is done with sea trials, it will then come home to be opened to the general public.

He says that there will be a crew and the boat will be available for private charter to allow people to experience what the life of a German sailor would be like in the S130’s heyday, and there would be a mass poppy drop at the exact place of the wreckage of what remains of Exercise Tiger. Currently, the Wheatcroft Collection has invested over £3.5m on the boat with a further £1.8m needed for construction work.