Launched in 1953 as a fisheries research vessel for the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom by Philip and Son of Dartmouth. The Sarsia remained in the service of the Marine Biological Association up until 1979. The history of the vessel is not well known past this date apart from that it was laid up in its current position on November 16th, 1996 and sank at it's berth in 1998. Currently, it is located, semi-submerged, in the East Float Dock in Birkenhead.