A fundraising campaign has been launched to help The Waverley paddle steamer, which has been withdrawn from service for the first time in 45 years due to mechanical problems.
Waverley is the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world and was famously gifted for £1 in 1974 and saved for the nation.
Work on the 73-year-old ship’s boilers has been ongoing since February, as it was hoped repairs could be carried out in time for the launch of its summer sailings – and now a fundraising campaign is underway to replace the boilers and save the famous vessel.
Based in Glasgow on the River Clyde, the Waverley traditionally sails along the river, stopping off at various destinations on the west coast.
In a statement on their website, the Waverley operators said: ‘Unfortunately, Waverley has been withdrawn from service for 2019 and urgently needs new boilers or she will never sail again. We need your support now to save this magnificent vessel.
‘Waverley Excursions Ltd deeply regrets to inform our loyal customers and supporters that Paddle Steamer Waverley will not operate in 2019. As part of the winter maintenance programme we have been undertaking boiler works. Unfortunately, after extensive consultation and investigation it is now conclusive that the ship’s boilers require replacement.
‘We immediately face a significant challenge to raise the required funds to reboiler Waverley and return her to service. Waverley is owned by a Registered Charity which will shortly be launching an appeal to Save the Waverley and ensure she sails in 2020. We fully appreciate any support at this time to help return Waverley to steam.’
Waverley is owned by a registered charity and regularly visits several areas of the UK including the Firth of Clyde, Western Isles, Bristol Channel, South Coast and Thames visiting over 60 ports and piers.
Since being sold to the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, she has carried more than five million passengers.
Click HERE to back the charity appeal.
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