The West Wales Maritime Heritage Society have announced that they are developing the UK’s first ‘Escape Boat’.

Based on the popular ‘Escape Room’ games, this will be set on board a real boat, based in their ex shipbuilding yard at Front Street, Pembroke Dock.

The ‘gamers’ will have one hour to thwart a Soviet Spy and prevent him from passing on vital secrets.

WWMHS have successfully applied for a grant from the National Lottery ‘Steps to Sustainability’ fund. This has enabled them to track down the perfect boat for this project, and to start developing the game, which will require participating groups to solve various tasks in order to expose the spy.

Maritime Heritage themes will be used, with an emphasis of Naval Codes of the period - hence the name ‘Code Red’.

They are very grateful for the funding, and as the name suggests, the grant is aimed at helping small charities to become self sustaining by developing a project to develop an income in the difficult times that we are in at present.

The initial idea was to develop a conventional Escape Room, but it soon Morphed into the Escape Boat idea. After several false leads they found the boat in Norwich. It now has pride of place on their large slipway, and is being overhauled and set up ready for the gamers to tackle.

WWMHS have developed a fascinating working Boatyard and Museum, and are proud that being in a town with some deprivation, admission to their yard is free.

By charging for the Escape boat experience, they hope to maintain that ethos and still be able to cover their rent and other overheads. Also, they hope that this attraction will bring in groups of people who may otherwise not visit.

This project also has the support of Pembroke Dock Town Council and the Pembroke Dock Town Team who are offering practical help. Also, Futureworks are sending some young volunteers to help out, as well as PAVS- the Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Societies.

The Society always welcomes volunteers, regardless of age and experience. With other important projects under way, they would really appreciate more help, with the practical side of the project, and also with running the game when it is set up.

With a lot of help, WWMHS expect to test the game with volunteers, and then be ready to launch it in early 2022.