Empire Spruce

Empire Spruce was a 129 GRT tug which was built by R Dunston Ltd, Thorne. Launched on 13 January 1942 and completed in March 1942. In collision on 9 January 1943 with at Royal Navy ship at the entrance to Gareloch and sank. Refloated on 24 February 1943, towed to Glasgow and repaired. To the Admiralty in 1947 and renamed Emulous. Sold in 1958 to H G Pounds, Portsmouth. Sold in 1961 to J D Irving Ltd, Canada, new diesel engine fitted and renamed Irving Oak.