Earlier this year, the PDSTdivegroup were planning a busy season working on projects in the Milford Haven Waterway, the most well-known of these being the survey and recovery of the world’s only remaining Battle of the Atlantic survivor, Mk1 Sunderland Flying Boat, T9044.

While helping out with a local search and recovery operation, the group’s boat engine developed a worrying rattle, which engineers later reported as a failure which was beyond economic repair.

With most of their funds already committed elsewhere, the group needed a way to raise the money for a replacement engine. Crowdfunder UK was approached, and an appeal was launched to raise the funds needed.

Within two weeks, the local community, along with donations from further afield, had raised two-thirds of the target.

The group also contacted the Port of Milford Haven, who agreed to donate the final third to achieve the target.

Group chairman David Pring said: “As a group, we are very grateful for the support and generosity of so many local people, along with the Port Authority. I must also mention that we received donations from as far afield as Australia!”

For the group, it’s now full steam ahead as they help out with events such as the Pembroke Dock bungee jump, surveying the ex. HMS Warrior berth at Llanion Cove and their ongoing commitments with the Pembroke Dock Sunderland Trust.