COMMENT: Why Sunderland must help power historic 'little ship'

The vessel has had a colourful and, at times, heroic history before ending up at berth in its adopted home of Sunderland.

Famously the Willdora was one of the many vessels that took part in the Dunkirk evacuation during the Second World War, saving an estimated 200 troops before being shelled by the enemy.

While the vessel can’t speak, just by taking to the water it is a reminder of a part of our history we dare not forget.

Which is why we are fully behind the ‘Keep Willdora on the Water’ campaign launched by the Sunderland Maritime Heritage group.

As we reveal today, the vessel has once again been forced off the waterways.

But rather than being holed by German shells, Willdora has been scuppered by mechanical failure!

Campaigners have now launched a fundraising appeal seeking £2,000 to get Willdora back on the ocean waves.

It has bounced back from adversity before.

The Dunkirk little ship is a veteran of Operation Dynamo - the evacuation of 350,000 allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk and Le Panne in 1940. It rescued 200 troops before being sunk. Even bey ond those heroics it has overcome vandal attacks and adversity in the past .

We would urge the Wearside communi ty to help play a part in restoring this little bit of history to its former glory by backing the campaign .

Willdora is too important to be silenced.