Journey inside one of Ireland’s oldest abandoned ships as it lies in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dock awaiting demolition.
In one aerial image, torn sheets of tarpaulin were spread across the Naomh anna’s deteriorated roof which had largely rotted and corroded away, offering a glimpse into its eerie interior.
In another, protest graffiti could be seen on the side of the ferry. It read “Save our ship” and “Ireland – don’t scrap me,” showcasing the local importance of the vessel.
The incredible images were captured by hobbyist urban explorer Cathal, 48, who is known online as Uncharted Ireland.
The Naomh anna was built in 1958, making it one of the oldest surviving ships in Ireland. Originally, the ship provided connections to the Aran Islands, but it was taken out of service in the late 1980s.
The ship is perhaps best known for being one of the first responders following the loss of KLM flight 607-E in August1958.
It had departed from a stopover at Shannon Airport carrying 91 passengers and eight crew. The flight was bound for New York but during the transatlantic portion of the trip, all communications were lost.
Search parties were deployed but when the plane was found, all passengers had died from the crash. Investigators were only able to retrieve the remains of 34 passengers.
Cathal said: “Growing up, a lot of my family were seaman and dockers, so I’ve always had a great interest in the high seas and ships in general.
“The Naomh anna is a ship I’ve admired for years from a distance before my recent adventure onboard. In terms of the interior, unfortunately, all that really remains is a shell.
“I know many who were involved with the ship are saddened by its decline.
“I’m just glad I got the opportunity to venture on board while I had the chance as I understand it’s going to be dismantled.”
Since its decommissioning, the MV Naomh anna has housed a surf shop and sailmakers but the ship is now set for deconstruction much to the outcry of locals.
