Gerry Marsden, leader of Gerry & the Pacemakers, sailed on the ferry thousands of times as he sung the well-know 'Ferry Across The Mersey'.
"It is such a shame, but every year there are reports of it getting more and more dilapidated and every year we all try to do something to save it but to no avail.
"It has so much history and was much loved by many in Liverpool."
quote taken off the bbc web site
what has he done to try and save her,would love to know,if he can't do it dont think we would have much look..
I sent an email to the Liverpool Echo a few months back about this - didn't get a reply. The Royal Iris should be raised and refurbed - get Sir Paul to donate a few bob. - very historic for Beatle fans and Merseysiders alike.
a update from another site says she has now been made watertight and pumped out and is floating on the high tide,also the owner is talking to a guy who is willing to buy her and return her to the mersey,may only be rumours but a very strong one.........fingers crossed she could escape the scrap yard yet..the port of london are also putting pressure on the owner to move it as he hasn't paid his mooring fees for a few years..
this is the text,will sort the link out when i can get it to work.
Good Evening sue I have some good news regarding the royal iris. In the past few days have been in contact with the PLA and the chap who Manages the berth where she’s moored. They both inform me that she has been pumped out and emergency repairs have been made, she i...s now floating at every high tide. I was also informed there has been regular fuel deliveries in the past 4 weeks but only in small quantities. On a more of a frustrating note, I have made contact with owner though a “middle man” who is in regular contact with Mr Jegede. I have been told he will contact me when he has time. After a every lengthy conversation to the PLA. It appears Mr Jegede avoids all communication with them at all costs, as he hasn’t paid them for a number of years and is effectively squatting on the berth. Further on in the conversation I was told “We would be delighted if she removed from the Thames as she has been an eyesore for a number of years. Year in year out we are more and more concerned with her deteriorating condition as she could potentially become a navigational hazard.” I will be going down to see the vessel next week to see her present condition, and try to meet with Mr Jegede, as it seems he no longer resides in France. I will keep you informed Kind regards Mart
