An original, souvenir photo. No photographer named.
The Hoverlink service between Grimsby’s Royal Dock and Hull started in 1969 but was short-lived. The lightweight hovercraft were not up to rough weather and strong currents.
The two hovercraft were named ‘Mercury’ and ‘Minerva’. ‘Mercury’ is shown in the photo. Humber Hovercraft Services Ltd. was run by Hover Marine.
HM2 008 Mercury returned to Hovermarine’s Southampton factory where she was upgraded & eventually sold to Sociede Turistica Pontado Adoxe in Setubal, Portugal as “Soltroia” in 1971. Her sister HM2 002 Minerva eventually went to Ital Hover S.p.A Venice as “Mare 3” in 1972.
Many thanks indeed for the update Bob.
