Mary Irene was built in 1935 at the Shutters yard in Poole, later known as J Bolson’s, for Harry Cartridge. Registered as a fishing vessel in Poole (PE 47), she was requisitioned for service during the Dunkirk evacuation.

The vessel reportedly sailed to Ramsgate alongside 14 other boats to join the Operation Dynamo fleet. Although specific details of her role in the evacuation remain unknown, Mary Irene was released back to her owner on 6 June 1940. Following this, she was employed in towing military vessels along the south coast.

Harry Cartridge’s son, Maurice, later assumed the position of skipper and continued operations involving trawling, chartering, and oyster dredging. Mary Irene remained in the family business until her sale to John Stevenson in 1996.

Afterward, the vessel was sold to Peter Saunders and kept in Newhaven, where she continued to serve as a fishing vessel. By September 2016, under the name Michele Star, she was listed for sale on eBay in Newhaven. The current owner purchased her for use as a workboat and restored her original name, Mary Irene.

Plans were made to overhaul the vessel and renew her MCA certification. Mary Irene is now based on the Thames and has become a regular participant in Association events.