Tugboats and trawlers in coastal convoy defence

Did Britain use tugboats against U-boats in coastal waters?

Available tugs and other small vessels were used, often alongside existing towing duties.

Tugboats and trawlers served in British coastal waters and convoy work. Tugs might already accompany ships exposed to air attack because damaged vessels could need towing. Large escorts were less common, with old destroyers or escort destroyers among possible heavier escorts. Available tugs could therefore contribute to defence. This was practical use of vessels already present, rather than selecting tugs as the preferred submarine hunters.