New photographs reveal poor condition of Royal Iris

Mar 10 2010 by Liam Murphy, Birkenhead News

NEW photographs have revealed the sad state of the much-loved Royal Iris.

Now berthed on the Thames, the former Wallasey Ferry was found by the RNLI flooded during high tide.

Photographer Dave Wood – who took these images of the rotting interior – has set up an online petition, which he plans to present to the owner in a bid to convince him to sell the vessel so that it can be returned to the Mersey.

Mr Wood, who was born and brought up in Liverpool and now lives in Luton, has visited the boat numerous times since he learned it was on the Thames.

He said: “When I saw the state of her it was shocking – she was not in good nick even back in 2002.”

He said he contacted the owner and discussed the plans to convert it into a floating restaurant on the Thames, but later lost touch with him.

Mr Wood said: “I’ve been popping down there and having a look now and again, but – especially now with the recession and everything – I can’t see how it would make any money in London because it’s got no history there.

“When I saw about her taking on water I thought there was nothing down for the boat.