Benjamin Taylor of Hampton Wick and his daughter Joyce delivered Aquabelle to the Royal Navy for the Dunkirk evacuation. Equipped with twin Ailsa Craig diesel engines and a 100-gallon fuel tank, the vessel had the endurance to tow five other boats back from Dunkirk. At the time, Aquabelle was in poor condition, with broken hatch covers and remnants left aboard by soldiers, including khaki socks and mugs.

After being fitted with a gun, Aquabelle was assigned to defend lighthouses from air attacks. Following the war, the vessel passed through two owners before being acquired in France by Patrice Lolostuzzo, a canal boat skipper based in Aigues Mortes.

Photographic documentation of Aquabelle is available from the Dimbylow family album. As of late 2010, the vessel came under new ownership with plans for restoration to her original condition. The restoration project is being undertaken by a group of enthusiasts on the Mediterranean coast near Montpellier, France.

The restoration has benefited significantly from contact with the grandson of the first owner, who provided images and memorabilia to assist in returning Aquabelle to her 1939 condition. The vessel is currently afloat, awaiting final cleaning and hull painting, with completion anticipated by the end of 2013.

The restoration group aspires to have Aquabelle participate alongside other Little Ships in the 2015 Commemorative Channel crossing.