Loading
You are not signed in

Polyrus / Photos

High and dry

The MV Royal Iris, an ex Mersey ferry. Seen beached by the side of the River Thames at New Charlton, just east of the Thames Flood Barrier and watching the sun go down. Apparently she is holed below the water line, half full of water and has been in this state since 2010.

She was built at Dumbarton on the River Clyde at a cost of £256,000 and launched there in December 1950.

Detail a little more evident when viewed large.
Visible by: Everyone
(more information)

More information

Visible by: Everyone

Attribution + non Commercial + no derivatives

Report this photo as inappropriate

12 comments

William Sutherland said:

Terrific capture!

Admired in:
www.ipernity.com/group/tolerance
7 years ago ( translate )

Polyrus replied to William Sutherland:

Thank you, William.
7 years ago ( translate )

Pam J said:

Bit surprised she is still there

Sad old Lady
7 years ago

Polyrus replied to Pam J:

Me too, although I shouldn't be as politics and financial investments are part of the story. Since Iris finished her duties on the Mersey three different consortiums have owned the vessel and each planned to convert her to a kind of floating nightclub. First at Liverpool, then Cardiff before she was finally towed up the Thames to be a similar attraction in London.
I hope Ipernity finds better investors!
7 years ago

HappySnapper said:

Probably worth that much in scrap these days. Sad to see though.
7 years ago

Polyrus replied to HappySnapper:

True, and it would cost many times that to do the renovation and a refit. But if done, would provide a night-time venue at a fraction of the cost of a brick building in London.
7 years ago

tiabunna said:

Great sunset setting, but sad to see her like this.
7 years ago

Polyrus replied to tiabunna:

Thank you, George. Whilst she is a great sight for photographers, I hope she is soon rescued, before it is too late.
7 years ago

Keith Burton said:

Gorgeous light in this image Neil.........I especially like the pastel colours in the sky.

It's always said to see a lovely old boat like this left to rot............but on the plus side it's very photogenic and in this image it makes a really interesting foreground.
7 years ago

Polyrus replied to Keith Burton:

I like your use of words to point out that this is basically two images in one. Many thanks for taking the time to comment, Keith.
7 years ago

Gudrun said:

Pity she's in such a sorry state but she makes for a picturesque photo with the evening sky!
7 years ago

Polyrus replied to Gudrun:

Many thanks, Gudrun. The light was fading fast when I took this shot and without that sky this would have been a very dark poor photo.
7 years ago
You must sign in to add a comment.