The UK's oldest seagoing paddlesteamer The Waverley has been withdrawn from service for the first time in nearly half a century due to it needing millions of pounds of repairs.
The Waverley, which runs excursions in the Bristol Channel, has been put into dry dock at Glasgow Science Centre while its owners raise in excess of £2 million for two new boilers.
Work to repair the ship's boilers began in February and was due to take four weeks.
But it soon became apparent more detailed repairs were needed on the boilers.
Now bosses at Waverley Excursions have taken the decision to cancel all cruises this year ahead of it launching a fundraising campaign to raise the cash.
The Waverley was due to start visiting the Bristol area at the beginning of September.
Waverley Excursions Ltd general manager, Paul Semple said: "Initially we thought it would take four weeks to repair the boilers.
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"But the repairs were then estimated to take until July which is when we reached a crucial point.
"When it looked like the work would start to eat into our summer season we had to make a call.
"We have reached the conclusion that we must stop repairs.
"We now know that to give Waverley a future she will need new boilers.
"If we continued with the repairs there is no guarantee they would last more than a few seasons.
"Not only that but we would have to open that up for extensive inspection every year at huge cost to the Waverley.
"We hope by replacing the boilers it will give her at least another 20 years service."
Mr Semple said that the rest of the ship was in good condition.
"The hull and paddlewheel have been inspected and are in good condition," he added.
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"This is the first time in 45 years that she has not sailed."
The work to replace the boilers will include lifting off the funnels and opening up the deck.
The fundraising appeal is due to launch in the coming weeks.
Mr Semple said: "We have a loyal customer base and the ship carries tens of thousands of passengers a year.
"We will also be approaching fundraising trusts and other bodies."
An evening cruise being arranged as part of celebrations to mark Clevedon Pier's 150th birthday has had to be cancelled due to the ship being out of service.
If the money is secured it is hoped the ship will be back in service next year.
Around 8,000 tickets have already been sold for excursions in 2019.
"We are asking people to either donate their ticket fee to the fundraising appeal, transfer their ticket to next year or apply for a refund," said Mr Semple.
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"I know first-hand the fondness that the general public have for Waverley and I know this news will be upsetting."
People can donate to the appeal via the website or by texting STEAM 20 to 70085 to donate £20.
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