One of Bristol’s most iconic vessels is being readied for vital repairs in a bid to let passengers sail in her again.
The MV Balmoral, built in 1949, is believed to have visited more British ports than any other ship.
But the 62-metre craft has been tied up in the harbour since 2017 amid concerns with her hull and crew accommodation - and now thoughts are turning to her improvement.
MV Balmoral Fund Limited trustee Dave Bassett, 73, said: “We have to launch a fundraising campaign. The ship is unique and is a very lucky survivor and we need to look after her.”
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The vessel was built in Southampton but she has been based in Bristol for more than 30 years.
However, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency does not consider her suitable for sailing with passengers at the moment, according to Mr Bassett.
The former civil servant said the problems flagged up are the presence of doubler plates in the hull and the fact that the accommodation for the 18 crew members is not fireproof.
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Mr Bassett and his fellow trustees arranged for a diver to study the vessel this week, with the footage set to be reviewed by engineers so repair estimates can later be drawn up.
A fundraising appeal will be launched in due course, Mr Bassett said, and the trustees are adamant that the cause is a worthy one.
“There are very few old ships left - preserved ships are rare, but a preserved ship that’s operational is even rarer,” Mr Bassett said.
While the engines were replaced in 2002, the vast majority of the vessel remains as it was when built.
As a result, school pupils are routinely impressed when they step on board, according to Mr Bassett.
But the hope is that they will be even more enthused by the prospect of sailing in her, an activity last possible in October 2017.
“She’ll be doing day trips to anywhere we can make money, which really means taking people on enjoyable jaunts,” said Mr Bassett.
But rumours the Balmoral could be sent up to Scotland this summer to replace stricken paddle-steamer the Waverley have been dismissed with regret.
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“We would love to be able to help,” said Mr Bassett.
“We would love to be able to sail north to help the Waverley but the Balmoral does need work on the hull and the accommodation before she can sail with passengers - and safety is paramount.”
The MV Balmoral Society president Nigel Coombes said: “We used to be her [the Waverley’s] companion ship, but they decided we were too expensive to run.
“But the aim was if something catastrophic happens to the Waverley then this ship could stand in for her and we’re so upset that this has occurred and we’re not in [action] at the moment.”
The Balmoral has featured in a number of TV programmes and films over the years, including Stan and Ollie and the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, both released last year.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency was contacted for comment.
Watch trailer for new Stan and Ollie movie filmed in Bristol, with UK release date of January 2019
