Wirral students will give first-powered submarine Resurgam a facelift

Aug 6 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL’S tribute to the world’s first powered submarine is to be given a long-awaited facelift - six months after the News drew attention to its plight.

The full-scale replica of Resurgam, an early prototype submarine, was built by Cammell Laird engineering apprentices in the mid-1990s and put on display on a former floating roadway at Woodside.

But 11 years on, the 45-foot model has become the target of vandals, with the wooden cladding on the steel structure broken off and rotting.

Marine experts estimated it would cost around £10,000 to repair.

The 10-ton structure has now been taken to Birkenhead’s Maritime and Engineering College - formerly the Laird Foundation - where it will be refurbished by students.

Neil Scales, chief executive of Merseytravel, said: “Resurgam is in need of restoration and we’re pleased to be able to offer the work as a practical exercise to the students.

“Together with U-534, where the students will also help with some deck restoration work, Resurgam will form part of a tremendous tourist attraction for Woodside Ferry Terminal.”

Regarded by many as the world’s first proper submarine, Resurgam – which means “I will rise again” – was designed and built in Birkenhead by Victorian inventor, the Rev George Garret.

The steam-powered vessel was taken to Rhyl for repairs in 1879 but sank on its maiden voyage the following February.

After years of speculation over its location, it was found six miles offshore by Keith Hurley in 1995.

Jim Teasdale, chief executive of Mersey Maritime Group, which includes the college, said: “Refurbishment work on both Resurgam and U-534 will provide the students with the opportunity to apply a range of skills developed in workshops by working on large scale projects. Previously students have been involved in similar restoration projects and have gained valuable work experience as a result.”