NEWS BULLETIN - MAY 2006

The height of the wave, estimated to be around 18 to 20 metres forced in a number of the windows on the ship's promenade deck 6. Seawater entered the ship via passageways making its way into cabins at the forward end of deck 6 before cascading down stair wells to some areas of deck 5. Reports suggest that the ingress of sea water also damaged the ship's sewage system and resulted in effluent mixing with the sea water.

Passengers were evacuated from the effected area and moved to higher decks. Two passengers were treated by a shipboard doctor for shock and two passengers and a member of crew for minor injuries. There were 1,148 passengers on board at the time of the incident.

After the incident the ship abandoned its voyage and headed for Roscoff. Passengers were offered a refund and a return sailing to Plymouth on the PONT L'ABBE or could continue the journey to Spain via their own means.

The ship departed Roscoff bound for Brest where she is to be repaired by Sobrena.

It is not clear when she will return to service though the company hoped to have her ready in time for the Friday evening sailing to Cork on May 26.

The following letter appeared in the Plymouth Evening Herald on May 25 from a passenger praising the crew of the PONT-AVEN for their professionalism following the mishap and dispelling some of the accounts which were published in the aftermath:

Could I respectfully suggest that some of the details in the article appearing on the thisisplymouth website today appear to differ somewhat from my own experience on the Pont-Aven last Sunday evening and through into  Monday?

Contrary to some comments, passengers were informed of events. The crew and staff members worked hard to ensure everyone was safe and well looked after.

Given that some 150 cabins were out of bounds due to water damage, it is no surprise that it took time to organise alternative accommodation for those who needed it.

Yes, it was a long trip with an unexpected, potentially dangerous incident, but the staff of Brittany Ferries could not have been more professional and helpful. We were informed that we would go to Roscoff because of the damage to the ship, and before we disembarked we were given a free breakfast. Then, in Roscoff, we were given the option, if on a longer trip, to continue our journey by coach, or to drive on in our own vehicles.

Minicruise passengers and anyone else who wished to return to Plymouth were given free transport on the next ferry from Roscoff to Plymouth. All passengers taking this option received a £12 food voucher. Those who had booked longer holidays were also informed how to apply for compensation.

Plymouth has a proud tradition of being part of the Brittany Ferries network. I and my wife will continue to drive down the M5 to Plymouth to travel with Brittany Ferries safe in the knowledge that they are a very professional organisation willing to go the extra mile to ensure that their passengers are safe and well cared for.

PONT-AVEN TO BE REPLACED ON SANTANDER ROUTE?

Strong rumours from several sources suggest Brittany Ferries are looking to build a larger, sturdier vessel to replace the PONT-AVEN on the Plymouth - Santander route. The PONT-AVEN then replacing the BRETAGNE.

ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY

SEA EXPRESS I is being offered for sale of bare boat charter by Frank Ship Brokers. However, for some reason she is being advertised as a "twin screw" vessel! www.frankshipbrokers.com/fast.html

DIAMANT is expected to depart from the Port of London on May 23, bound for Falmouth for bunkers before proceeding to the Irish Sea to take up her TT charter to the Steam Packet.

SUPERSEACAT TWO sailings were disrupted towards the end of the week due to unsettled weather. On Thursday the morning round trip to Liverpool was cancelled with passengers diverted to the BEN-MY-CHREE via Heysham.

The Thursday afternoon sailing to Belfast was rescheduled to Friday morning which of course meant the Friday morning sailing to Liverpool was once again cancelled.

With the TT festival build up starting this week one wonders if the failure to replace the LADY OF MANN with a suitable all weather ship may lead to chaos given the over reliance on fast craft this year?  That of course in the hands of Neptune!

STEAM PACKET - TO FEATURE ON TV SERIES - THE SEA

IOM Online reported this week that the history of the Island's maritime lifeline will be part of a major BBC television series. The Steam Packet will feature in an episode of the broadcaster's The Sea season this summer.

It will tell the story of the Packet, the world's oldest passenger ferry firm, as well as the people who work for the company.

The series will feature stories from BBC regions around the British Isles and for the north west independent production company Northstar TV has been commissioned to put together a 30-minute film.

'The brief from the BBC was to cover people who work at sea,' producer Ged Clarke explained.

'I obviously had to think about the stories in the north west which could fit the brief and settled on the Steam Packet, partly because I know people who used to work for it.

'Basically the BBC wants to show a story which is about a community which relies on the sea for its livelihood and the Isle of Man fits perfectly – it is an island nation and has to be connected.'

Filming is due to start this week and Ged admitted it is too early to say exactly what will feature in the finished programme, due for transmission in July.

He said it will not only tell the Steam Packet's 175-year story, but will explain the vital link the ferry company provides for the Island and its unique place in Island life. However, it won't just be a history of the firm.

'It is at the very early stages, but it is going to be contemporary,' he said. 'We will sail on the BEN-MY-CHREE and SUPERSEACAT and film everyone at work, everyone from the captain down.

'We will show who does what, the importance to Island life. Although it is the early stage, I suspect it will evolve as it goes on.'

Former newspaper reporter Ged made his first visit to the Island recently to carry out research.

'I've already discovered some very interesting things, for instance there is a woman chief officer, who may be the only one working in the Irish Sea,' he added. 'There are also very many eastern Europeans working as cabin crew on the ferries.'

Ged said the programme may include reference to other milestones in the Steam Packet's history, including the establishment of the users agreement which guaranteed the firm sole control of passenger traffic from Douglas, and the two takeovers since Sea Containers relinquished control in 2003.

'It has got to be put into its exact context, but by and large the chief focus is the lifeline it provides,' he said.

NEW LOOK

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has revamped its web site this week and given it a completely new look. - www.steam-packet.com

PARADE STREET SITE

Isle of Man Treasury Minister Allan Bell has accused Steam Packet proprietors Macquarie of asset stripping as the Isle of Man Government approved the proposals for the Department of Transport to acquire the Parade Street site which includes the company's HQ - Imperial Buildings for £8 million. The company will rent back the facilities for £150,000 per year. Though there were some exceptions, the majority of MHKs backed the acquisition of the land.

STENA LINE

HSS STENA EXPLORER - appears to have spent a large part of May 21, 2006 stuck off Dún Laoghaire with failed bow thrusters. She is reported to be out of service now until May 26.

JEANIE JOHNSTON

The provisional sailing programme for the replica trans-Atlantic emigrant ship has been published on the web site

May 18th - 24th Dublin to Ostend, May 29th Ostend to Dublin, June 3rd - 5th Docklands Maritime Festival, June 6th - 9th Dublin to Liverpool, June 12th - 15th Liverpool to Dublin, June 19th - 23rd Dublin to Bangor, June 26th - 29th Bangor to Belfast, July 10th - 14th Belfast to Glasgow, July 17th - 21st Glasgow to Dublin, July 24th - 28th Dublin to Bristol, July 31st - August 4th Bristol to Cobh, August 15th - 18th Cork to Fenit, Co. Kerry, August 21st - 24th Fenit to Cork, August 25th - 28th Cork to Brest, France, August 29th - 2nd September Brest to Dublin

For those in the UK and European mainland there will be a number of chances to catch up with attractive ship with calls at Ostend, London, Liverpool, Bristol and Brest scheduled. www.jeaniejohnston.ie

CELTIC LINK

Ro/Ro freight ferry KLAIPEDA has been acquired by Jay Ship Management of Greece owners of the CELTIC STAR. It is be believed that in due course the KLAIPEDA will also join Celtic Link ferries to operate on their new Liverpool - Dublin route.

WHITE STAR LINE

NOMADIC - the last White Star Ship will be conveyed to Belfast on a submersible barge when she returns to Belfast from Le Havre this July. The transportation will be undertaken by Anchor Marine Services and Hammer Marine Services.

WICKLOW & EAST COAST NOTES from Tommy Dover

Coaster callers included SCOT VENTURE, DERK, UNION MARS, MEKHANIK MAKARIN, HYDRA, SCOT CARRIER, BALTIC MERCHANT and EMSLAND.

Aviation traffic included the Coastguard helicopter 'Mike Echo' northbound along the coast.

Traffic in the bay included GRANUAILE and HOHEBANK southbound .

Wicklow lifeboat launched on a crew excercise on the 14th .

The Manx coaster BEN VARREY sheltered in the bay on the 18th, she departed the next morning as the weather improved .

DUBLIN PORT

Coasters noted at the port this week included CORAL SEA ,LASS NEPTUN and the tanker BREAKSEA in drydock

YOUGHAL

Recent visitors included RED DUCHESS and HOHEBANK.

ISLES OF SCILLY STEAMSHIP COMPANY / CORNWALL COUNTY COUNCIL

Cornwall County Council is to take control of a £39.1 scheme to improve transport links between the mainland and the Isles of Scilly.

Plans involve the provision of a new combined vessel to replace the existing passenger ferry SCILLONIAN III and freight vessel GRY MARITHA, as well as undertaking safety improvements to the harbours at both St Mary’s and Penzance.

Cornwall's council executive is reviewing a recommendation for the authority to lead the development on behalf of the Isles of Scilly Route Partnership.

The Route Partnership was established to maintain a sustainable link between the mainland and the Isles of Scilly. Members of the group – which include the Islands' Council, Duchy of Cornwall, Isles of Scilly Steamship Company and British International Helicopters - are making a combined contribution of £6.1m to the scheme.

A decision on a bid for £26.5m from the Department for Transport (DfT) funding is due in May, whilst the remaining £6.5m would come from European Objective One or Convergence funding.

A study has found that the loss of the sea link would have a wide-ranging impact on employment, commerce and tourism in both Scilly and Cornwall.

A council report noted that the project probably would not move forwards if the Cornwall decided not to take on overall responsibility.
 

CORNWALL FERRIES GROUP

The company which operates the King Harry Ferry, St. Mawes Ferry and the Falmouth Park and Float service is expanding into fast ferry operations this season with the launch of Falmouth Bay Express on May 27.

The new high speed service will link St.Mawes to Custom House Quay, Falmouth and on to the Helford River.

Leaving from either Falmouth or St Mawes the operators say the new service will "take you on a magical journey across Falmouth Bay to explore the beautiful Helford River".

The vessel chosen for the job is a fully enclosed fast trimaran that is powered by a 250hp diesel engine and jet drive unit. The boat will cruise at 20 knots and carry all the latest safety equipment. Once onboard each of the twelve passengers can sit in comfort on their own individual padded seat looking out windows that run for the length of the vessel.

During the evening the vessel moves to provide an aqua cab evening service that runs between St Mawes, Falmouth, Flushing and Mylor Yacht Harbour in an alternating clock wise and anti-clock wise circuit.

Toby Budd who will be operating the service added: "We are really excited. The boat is in refit at Ponsharden at the moment. We are hoping to start running on May 27 at the same time as the park and float and the St Mawes summer service." For more information and a photograph of the vessel visit www.falbayexpress.co.uk

The 'Diamant', an 81 metre fast craft catamaran carrying up to 650 passengers, 450 motorcycles and vehicles will be scheduled to operate on mainly the Heysham/IOM but some Liverpool/IOM services from 30th May up until 12th June.

Arriving from Tilbury on 24th May ahead of the TT schedules to accommodate staff training, 'Diamant' was last in service on the English Channel with Hoverspeed.

Additionally, Steam Packet will charter another fast craft, 'P&O Express' which as during the 2005 TT festival will operate sailings to and from Larne, whilst the freighter 'Moondance' will complement the Company vessel 'Ben My Chree' as it concentrates on passenger and vehicle traffic.

Hamish Ross, Steam Packet Managing Director said, 'The three chartered vessels will enable our Company to maintain a 'round the clock' service as we transport TT fans from all over the world to the Island to share in this unique and exciting event. We are committed to the festival in which we will again be sponsors of the Supersport Junior TT Race'.

Forward bookings for TT 2006 are currently up on 2005 and TT 2007 bookings are also strong.

The Steam Packet will also sponsor a race meeting on the Billown Circuit on Saturday 10th June. This will be the 15th year of 'The Steam Packet National Road Race' which has become one of the most popular and important days of the Tourist Trophy Meeting for the top riders and fans.

The TT Timetable is now available for download from www.steam-packet.com

DIAMANT is expect on Merseyside on May 24 or 25.

SEA EXPRESS I has been removed from the company's website fleet list which suggests that she is unlikely to sail for the company again. She is now out of class.

DOUGLAS SITE SALE

A report by Manx Radio suggests that if Tynwald does not authorise the purchase of the Parade Street site for £8m this week it may be sold by Macquarie to a private developer.

Passengers aboard the ISLE OF INISHMORE sailing between Pembroke and Rosslare on Thursday May 4 had a little more excitement than they bargained for,  when the ship became the venue for a joint rescue practice exercise.

The exercise - held by the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Maritime Coastguard Agency, Irish Ferries and RAF Chivenor - was carried out while the ferry was on her afternoon sailing from Pembroke Dock to Rosslare, some 6 miles West of St Anne's Head.

Following a call from the ferry, Milford Haven Coastguard requested specialist assistance from Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service - who deployed nine members of the Service Offshore Incident Team, led by Assistant Divisional Officer Frank Amis, to the vessel. Members of the team were winched down from the helicopter, along with their equipment onto the upper deck of the ferry while she was underway.

Once onboard the vessel, they were faced with a fire scenario on the car deck, with two people allegedly within the deck. After carrying out an initial assessment and liaising with the ship's crew, fire-fighters wearing breathing apparatus were committed to carry out a search of the affected area and commence fire-fighting.

"This exercise allowed the team members to deal with a realistic scenario onboard the ferry under controlled, but realistic conditions," said exercise director, Divisional Officer Richie Webborn.

"It is important for the team to carry out such training due to the volume of shipping found off the coast of Mid and West Wales." There are three ferries operating out of Swansea, Pembroke Dock and Fishguard. Between them they carry over 1 million people to and from Ireland. In addition to passenger ferries, there are many commercial vessels using ports within the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service area."

The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is a member of the Maritime Incident Response Group (MIRG), along with 14 other Fire and Rescue

Services - strategically located around the UK - providing a national defence for fires and other emergencies onboard vessel at sea. The MIRG is part of the Sea of Change project, which is championed by the Maritime Coastguard Agency in partnership with the Chief Fire Officers Association. The Maritime Coastguard Agency funds the specialist training for the teams and also provides equipment.

" The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has had a long tradition of maritime training," added Chief Fire Officer.

"This exercise fully prepares the service and crews to any potential maritime fires. I am pleased that we are actively involved with the national Maritime Incident Response Group."

SHIP MOVIE NEWS - POSEIDON

The remake of the  1970's classic ship disaster movie the Poseidon Adventure will be released in the UK on June 01, 2006. The story apparently been altered a little from the original film which featured the QUEEN MARY as the SS POSEIDON.

This time the computer generated MV POSEIDON will capsize in the Atlantic following an encounter with a freak wave. The original film had the ship capsizing in the Mediterranean after encountering a tidal wave generated by seismological event.

To find out more visit www2.warnerbros.com/poseidon

Those who enjoyed the original film might like to visit http://www.theposeidonadventure.com

From the web site the computer graphics generated ship does look quite convincing, unlike some recent attempts to create cgi generated ships.

The film has a good maritime pedigree with Wolfgang Petersen - DAS BOOT and PERFECT STORM directing.

Stena has been warned by the seafarers' union RMT that it must stick to its pay agreement on its Holyhead operations or face the prospect of a strike ballot.

The union's shipping and docks conference in Hull this week heard that Stena intended to break its national agreement by paying Polish crew aboard the STENA SEATRADER at rates below those paid to UK ratings when the vessel begins operating between Holyhead and Dublin in July.

Delegates unanimously called on the RMT executive to begin an emergency campaign "at all levels" to defend the port agreement, including urgent approaches for assistance to sister unions through the International Transport Workers' Federation.

"We have an agreement with Stena that sets out the rates that must be paid to ratings working out of Holyhead, and we expect them to stick to it," RMT national secretary Steve Todd said.

"The Irish Sea has become the latest battleground in the struggle to stop ship-owners replacing organised crews with low-cost labour, and Stena are now breaking their pledge that they will not join the 'race to the bottom' in seafarers' pay.

"The introduction of low-cost crew to Holyhead is the thin end of a massive wedge which threatens to undermine the jobs, pay and conditions of ratings at Holyhead and beyond.

"The nationality of the seafarers aboard the vessel is irrelevant, but they must be paid the rate for the job agreed between the company and the union.

"There is massive anger among the crews of the STENA EXPLORER and STENA ADVENTURER, the two Stena vessels already operating out of the port, and we have already had calls to start balloting for strike action.

"Stena should understand that we will take the necessary steps to defend our national agreement, and that RMT will back industrial action by our members if it becomes necessary," Steve Todd said.

Director of harbours Captain Michael Brew said acquiring the land, including Imperial Buildings, the staff and public car parks and the area that used to be occupied by Steam Packet goods sheds, would enable long-term planning for increased harbour traffic.

Traffic growth in the past two decades has already seen part of the harbour filled in and buildings demolished and Captain Brew said acquiring land for potential expansion made 'strategic sense'.

He admitted the DoT may not need all the land and other uses for some parts may be identified. The Steam Packet will lease back its headquarters.

Captain Brew added the £8 million price was agreed by the government's valuer as a fair market cost.

Sea Containers, has invited all 235 staff at its London head office to apply for voluntary redundancy as part of an urgent drive to cut costs.

Sea Containers, sent an email to all employees at Sea Containers House,  asking them to step forward for redundancy, though it is believed they will only receive statutory severance terms.

The company claims that the current redundancies are a consequence of various disposal of assets, including the remaining Orient-Express Hotels stake.

Sea Containers, which has $1.3bn (£700m) of debts, of which $115m must be repaid in October, received $301m last year after exiting the hotels business.

It is currently trying to sell its Silja Line, which could raise €500m (£340m).

The London HQ is the main administrative centre for the group's 8,384 staff worldwide.

KING HARRY FERRY

STENA LINE FREIGHT

STENA LINE FREIGHT WINS PRESTIGIOUS CUSTOMER AWARD

 Stena Line Freight has won a prestigious Customer Service Star Performer Award for the second year in succession at the Lloyd's Loading List Shipping Line of the Year Awards.

The company picked up the Short Sea Ferry Operator of the Year award as a result of independent nominations from its customers, which was particularly pleasing for Stena Line Freight Commercial Manager Frank Nieuwenhuys.

"This is the second year running that we have won this prestigious accolade and it is particularly gratifying as this award is the result of the customers' vote, which is totally independent and therefore comes directly from the heart," said Frank.

"I am delighted for the company, our staff and above all our customers who are at the receiving end of our performance and our efforts to meet and exceed their expectations every day.

"This award is a true reflection of how we all perform throughout the year and how customers see Stena Line Freight in their day-to-day dealings with us", he added.

Stena Line's Lars Olsen collected the award on behalf of Stena Line Freight from author and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth at a glittering award ceremony.

Reports that the SUPERFERRY is to be used to evade a British and Irish ban on controversial stem-cell injections were angrily denied by the Cork-based carrier yesterday.

Advanced Cell Therapeutics (ACT) and Carrigaline-based GP, John Dunphy, had been invited to receive their postponed, pre-booked treatments on board the overnight ferry.

The ferry company was quick to disassociate itself from the service. "We are astonished and outraged that a group that would want to circumvent existing regulations should advertise a service to be carried out on our vessels without any reference to us whatsoever," said company spokesman Pat Casey. "Carrying out this treatment is absolutely prohibited. "The captain and the staff of the ship have been told - instructed - to stop it if there is any attempt to proceed with it.

"We have told Dr Dunphy that the service is absolutely prohibited on the ship. We are quite outraged that he should promote this treatment on board our ships when there has been no contact with us and we have absolutely nothing to do with it."

HISTORIC WARSHIPS

MANXMAN STEAMSHIP COMPANY

S/s Nomadic was launched on 25^th April 1911.  She served R.M.S. Titanic nearly 12 months after her launch.  95 years later, she is still ready for service!

After a four years campaign by Belfast Industrial Heritage Ltd., ably assisted over the past 6 months by White Star Memories, the Nomadic is, at last coming home. 

Purchased by the Northern Ireland Department of Social Development for Eur. 250,000.01 on 26^th January, it is hoped she will be back in Belfast in July.  In anticipation of its homecoming, Belfast Industrial Heritage Ltd. and their project team have formalized their fundraising campaign by setting up the Nomadic Preservation Society (NPS).  NPS’ purpose is to keep history alive, and preserve the memory of a bygone age for future generations to study and enjoy.

At the time, the Nomadic Preservation Society already has more than 200 members.

We are very proud to inform you that we have already acquired original artifacts of the ship – including 2 x 3 meters original paneling, which was carved by the same men who carved the paneling on the Titanic.   We are also on the track of other artifacts and we have launched an Appeal to collectors.  All items will be re-placed or displayed on board.

It looks as though the fight to save the last surviving Isle of Man Steam Packet turbine steamer could be coming to an end. The following item by Peter Elson appeared in the Liverpool Daily Post newspaper on Monday May 01, 2006.

The last traditional Isle of Man steamer looks set to be scrapped, in spite of plans for it to star in a £10m prime-time documentary and become a floating ambassador for Liverpool.

The SS Manxman, formerly owned by the Isle of Man Steam Packet for its Liverpool to Douglas service, started leaking badly after it was attacked by thieves last Friday.

Last night it appeared the damage could mean the death of the ship, which was meant to be the star of Channel 4's Big Boat series.

Due to be broadcast during Liverpool's 800th anniversary in 2007 and European Capital of Culture year 2008, the show would have given national publicity to the city.

But the ship now lies in tatters after a gang, which police say had expertise in engineering, illegally boarded Manxman currently berthed at Pallion shipyard, on the River Wear, at Sunderland.

They ripped out important valves and pipework, allowing water to flood her engine room. '

Last night Pallion Engineering, agents for Manxman's owners Wavepower Navigation Corp, said the company was unwilling to wait any longer for fund-raisers to buy the ship.

A Pallion Engineering spokesman said it has been forced to recognise the ship presents an "increasing hazard" to safety and has reluctantly taken steps for her to be scrapped.

Channel 4 chose Manxman, built by Cammell Laird in Birkenhead, in 1955, after discarding 20 other vessels in a nationwide search for a suitable key ship.

The documentary, commissioned by Channel 4 from leading independent producers IWC, had already formally proposed to show Manxman being restored to full working order. Wirral Borough Council had pledged use of Laird's former No 4 drydock, but the documentary's progress stalled when Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce pointedly ignored pleas from the Manxman Steamship Company charitable Trust to help find funds to pump-prime the project.

Liverpool Culture Company, in charge of European Capital of Culture events, gave its support but says it is unable to help financially.

Without this crucial local cash commitment to the project, Channel 4 and IWC are unable to access Heritage Lottery Funding and other grant revenues for the project.

This is all despite the World Heritage Site assessor criticising the city, whose Unesco status is based on its maritime past, for having no major ship exhibit.

After restoration, Manxman Steamship Co intended to run the ship as a conference, education and training centre, also available for events such as weddings.

"During summer it was hoped to steam her for excursion work from

Liverpool, acting as a floating ambassadress for the city in 2007-8 and afterward," says Bill Ogle, Manxman Steamship chairman.

Manxman is the last surviving large passenger ship built at Cammell Laird and also one of the last major merchant ships whose service made Liverpool

second city of the British Empire. - '

Built to a 1930s design, the ship's wood-panelled interiors and brass fittings epitomise the pre-plastic, car ferry era of cross channel travel.

Mr Ogle last night blamed local authorities for the failure of the project.

He said: * "It has proved increasingly difficult to continue because of a lack of financial funding from key regional authorities. "This ship is a genuine international maritime asset and tourism magnet which belongs on Merseyside."

The following item was posted to the Irish Sea Ships Group by Bill Ogle in response to the breaking news:

The simple facts of the current situation regarding Manxman are that on Thursday last I received a telephone call from the Director of Pallion Engineering to state that the previous night Manxman had suffered another attack by thieves. The ship hadtaken a list and the engineroom was found to be flooded.

Emergency pumps were used to remove the water and pipework and valves were found to have been stolen.

The situation is now stabilised. However this latest event has forced Pallion to the decision that they can no longer wait for funds to be sourced by the Trust and, regretfully, have offered Manxman for sale on the scrap market.

You will have read in other postings how, with support from Channel 4 and IWC Media, we had moved so close to success. The technical issues surrounding restoration had been signed off by consultant naval architects from Heritage Lottery Fund, and other concerns from HLF relating to projected earnings and visitor numbers could be addressed (partly as a result of the input and enthusiastic support from secondary school advisors from Wirral, Liverpool and the Isle of Man Education Departments).

The sole item we could not deal with was the lack of partnership funding from local authorities which is a requirement for a grant of this magnitude. Wirral Authority has been extremely supportive has has offered a wide range of realistic and significant forms of help "in kind".

Liverpool Council and the Capital of Culture Company have also been very interested in the project, but have no funds available. NWDA does not see any link between Manxman and its own objectives, in spite of the forecast creation of 80 permanent jobs.

We have sought to publicise the situation as a last ditch attempt to obtain financial support; but suspect we have only days or weeks to respond.

We remain amazed at the varying levels of support and response to this project; but perhaps the most encouraging aspect has always been the enthusiasm and real interest from people we have met when we have exhibited at events such as the Mersey River Festival, the Ellesmere Port Boat Museum, events on the IOM and more recently the annual gathering of the Titanic Society. Those people know that without Manxman then the opportunity to experience a classic sea going steamer will be lost.