The Historic QE2 was late for its final voyage as it ran aground on a sandbank off the cost of the Isle of Wight on its way to Southampton. The 70,000 ton vessel was heading to Southampton for the start of its last voyage, when strong winds beached it on the sandbank.
The QE2 was eventually refloated with a combination of the tide rising and numerous tug boats, and arrived at Southampton around an hour late. After an inspection, the vessel was given the all clear, with Cunard bosses stating that there was no damage to the hull and that the QE2 would set off on time.
The QE2’s last cruise voyage to Dubai got under way with 1700 passengers and 1000 crew on board, waving from the decks as thousands of spectators waved the huge vessel off. Fireworks and a speech by Master Captain Ian McNaught in which he said, the QE2 had been “a symbol of British excellence for 40 years” preceded the launch.
The QE2 will now travel to Dubai, where it will be permanently docked and become a luxury floating hotel and visitor attraction.
Add A Comment