taken 14 years ago, near to Parkhurst, Isle of Wight, England
A very sorry ship - Paddle Steamer Ryde
Work had started on the demolition of this vessel but it was halted on alleged environmental grounds and when seen she was in a state of limbo with Heras fences keeping out trespassers. There is a working boat storage and repair area on the other side with security gates and plenty of people to keep an eye out for unauthorised visitors. There is a society attempting to save her but it looks like a forlorn hope. Hopefully the engines will be saved if not much else.
The paddle steamer PS Ryde is the world's last sea-going coal-fired paddle steamer and was built by William Denny and Brothers Limited of Dumbarton for the Southern Railway and launched in 1937.
SZ5091 : Paddle steamer "Ryde" This vessel has suffered further deterioration and the funnel has fallen over due to failure of the steelwork over the boiler room. I have some recent views showing this spectacular wreckage and will post one or more in due course.