The 'contraband examination' vessel is almost certainly the paddle steamer "Empress" (1879; 173 grt) of Cosens & Co.
http://www.kingswearcastle.co.uk/empress.jpg
In peacetime she ran excursion sailings from Weymouth. She was requisitioned as an examination vessel in September 1939. Returned after WW2 she continued in service till 1955. Her original 2 cyl oscillating engines by J Penn have amazingly survived and are in working order and occasionally in steam at the Internal Fire Museum of Power near Cardigan in West Wales.
https://www.internalfire.com/
http://www.kingswearcastle.co.uk/empress.jpg
In peacetime she ran excursion sailings from Weymouth. She was requisitioned as an examination vessel in September 1939. Returned after WW2 she continued in service till 1955. Her original 2 cyl oscillating engines by J Penn have amazingly survived and are in working order and occasionally in steam at the Internal Fire Museum of Power near Cardigan in West Wales.
https://www.internalfire.com/
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