Well here she is sunk at her moorings-but the publicity has been brilliant-the whole of Teeside is buzzing about the fate of Tuxedo Royale (Dover). We have conducted local radio interviews, taken on an enthusiastic local Middlesborough representative and have been invited to a summit meeting hosted by the MCA and attended the local harbour authority, Able UK (who hold the ship) and the environment agency-to discuss the future of our stricken vessel. The local environmental situation is polarised. The local expert maritime opinion is that she could be refloated quite easily. She has a temporary boom placed around her but this is probably a political move as the EA have already stated that she could be pumped out straight into the River Tees. The picture taken last week was at the point of the highest spring tide. Unfortunately her machinery deck and car deck are extensively flooded. Everything is going to be reconned anyhow-so no great worries. To every disadvantage there is an equal and opposite advantage-Dover Steamship Company is taking it!
Never give up...
