The creeks and quayside at Kingsbridge filled and emptied each and every day. Likewise Compton Castle lifted herself to float for a few hours before gently settling back onto the mud. The corrosive action of the salt water slowly ate away at her metal hull and she grew steadily weaker. One day she didn't rise with the tide staying firmly on the mud as the water flowed into her. When the sea withdrew she was resting on the mud as normal but now like a giant aquarium. Officially she had sunk and the water had to be pumped out of her. But corrosion was not the cause, and she was soon serving teas again.

Her predicament had however caught the eye of the harbour master who could no longer just ignore her.

Dominic and Jean occasionally popped in. With her fancy awnings, Compton seemed more a tea room now than a boat.