08/06/2012

HMS Caroline To Leave Belfast

A historic ship that has been berthed in Belfast for 90 years is to be moved to Portsmouth.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy has said it is "sad for Belfast" but came about due to "little action" when they tried to find ways to keep the ship here.

HMS Caroline is the last surviving ship in the world that fought at the WWI 1916 Battle of Jutland.

It has been berthed at Alexandra Dock, in what is now known as the Titanic Quarter, since 1923.

About 80% of the ship is original and although it was used for years as a Royal Navy reserve training vessel, it was decommissioned more than a year ago, in March 2011.

Dominic Tweddle of the NMRN said the museum was stepping in to avoid the ship being scrapped by the Ministry of Defence.

In a letter to the Northern Ireland Executive, he wrote: "For three years the NMRN has been engaging with Northern Ireland authorities to broker a solution for Caroline which keeps her in Belfast. While there have been expressions of enthusiasm there has been little action."

Results of an economic appraisal by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment have not yet been released.

HMS Caroline was built in Birkenhead in 1914, and with speeds of up to 30 knots it was one of the fastest warships of its time.

Professor Tweddle said the NMRN was "assembling the funding" to lift the ship out of its dock.

His museum is based in Portsmouth.

(NE)

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