Inverclyde Now Logo COMET Funnel Taken Down As Maritime Landmark’s Condition Worsens

12 October, 2020 | Latest Photos, Local

THE funnel of paddle steamer replica Comet has had to be removed for safety reasons.

The condition of the iconic attraction at Port Glasgow is causing concern and Inverclyde Council commissioned a naval architect to survey the vessel.

The findings will be reported to councillors once they have been assessed.

The Comet in 2011 after restoration, and, below, as the vessel is currently

The replica underwent a £180,000, 12-month restoration at Ferguson shipyard that was completed in June 2011.

In 2013 a £165,000 plan to protect the Comet with a canopy — as it was already showing signs of damage from the weather — was approved by councillors but it was never implemented.

The original paddle steamer was built by Henry Bell and began a passenger service in 1812 on the Clyde between Glasgow and Greenock, the first commercially successful steamboat service in Europe. The vessel was shipwrecked in strong currents near Oban on 13 December 1820.

The replica was built for the 150th anniversary of the ship and was sailed to Helensburgh from Port Glasgow in 1962 accompanied by a large flotilla of canoes, sailing dinghies, yachts, and motor boats achieving the design speed of five knots.

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