Menu
08/06/2012
HMS Caroline To Leave Belfast
A historic ship that has been berthed in Belfast for 90 years is to be moved to Portsmouth.
The National Museum of the Royal Navy has said it is "sad for Belfast" but came about due to "little action" when they tried to find ways to keep the ship here.
HMS Caroline is the last surviving ship in the world that fought at the WWI 1916 Battle of Jutland.
It has been berthed at Alexandra Dock, in what is now known as the Titanic Quarter, since 1923.
About 80% of the ship is original and although it was used for years as a Royal Navy reserve training vessel, it was decommissioned more than a year ago, in March 2011.
Dominic Tweddle of the NMRN said the museum was stepping in to avoid the ship being scrapped by the Ministry of Defence.
In a letter to the Northern Ireland Executive, he wrote: "For three years the NMRN has been engaging with Northern Ireland authorities to broker a solution for Caroline which keeps her in Belfast. While there have been expressions of enthusiasm there has been little action."
Results of an economic appraisal by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment have not yet been released.
HMS Caroline was built in Birkenhead in 1914, and with speeds of up to 30 knots it was one of the fastest warships of its time.
Professor Tweddle said the NMRN was "assembling the funding" to lift the ship out of its dock.
His museum is based in Portsmouth.
(NE)
The National Museum of the Royal Navy has said it is "sad for Belfast" but came about due to "little action" when they tried to find ways to keep the ship here.
HMS Caroline is the last surviving ship in the world that fought at the WWI 1916 Battle of Jutland.
It has been berthed at Alexandra Dock, in what is now known as the Titanic Quarter, since 1923.
About 80% of the ship is original and although it was used for years as a Royal Navy reserve training vessel, it was decommissioned more than a year ago, in March 2011.
Dominic Tweddle of the NMRN said the museum was stepping in to avoid the ship being scrapped by the Ministry of Defence.
In a letter to the Northern Ireland Executive, he wrote: "For three years the NMRN has been engaging with Northern Ireland authorities to broker a solution for Caroline which keeps her in Belfast. While there have been expressions of enthusiasm there has been little action."
Results of an economic appraisal by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment have not yet been released.
HMS Caroline was built in Birkenhead in 1914, and with speeds of up to 30 knots it was one of the fastest warships of its time.
Professor Tweddle said the NMRN was "assembling the funding" to lift the ship out of its dock.
His museum is based in Portsmouth.
(NE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 March 2022
HMS Caroline To Remain In Belfast Until At Least 2038
The long-term future of the HMS Caroline visitor attraction has been secured in Belfast, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced, following an agreement with key partners the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The historic attraction will no remain in Belfast until at least 2038.
HMS Caroline To Remain In Belfast Until At Least 2038
The long-term future of the HMS Caroline visitor attraction has been secured in Belfast, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has announced, following an agreement with key partners the National Museum of the Royal Navy (NMRN) and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The historic attraction will no remain in Belfast until at least 2038.
16 August 2011
Action Stations Call Over HMS Caroline
An historic naval vessel that got a second life after combat duties as a base to train hundreds of part-time sailors is under threat. Alliance Councillor Seán Neeson has called for action to be taken ensure that HMS Caroline remains in Belfast. The ship has been lying idle since 2009, when the Royal Navy decided it would decommission it.
Action Stations Call Over HMS Caroline
An historic naval vessel that got a second life after combat duties as a base to train hundreds of part-time sailors is under threat. Alliance Councillor Seán Neeson has called for action to be taken ensure that HMS Caroline remains in Belfast. The ship has been lying idle since 2009, when the Royal Navy decided it would decommission it.
01 August 2012
HMS Caroline Deadline Sails Past But Politicians Fight On
Northern Ireland's tourism minister has said her department is working on a way to keep HMS Caroline in Belfast. Arlene Foster said her department was working with the Museum of the Royal Navy to "develop a solution" to a funding deadlock that means the WWI warship could be taken out of Belfast.
HMS Caroline Deadline Sails Past But Politicians Fight On
Northern Ireland's tourism minister has said her department is working on a way to keep HMS Caroline in Belfast. Arlene Foster said her department was working with the Museum of the Royal Navy to "develop a solution" to a funding deadlock that means the WWI warship could be taken out of Belfast.
25 July 2012
MP Calls On Government To Keep WWI Ship In Belfast
A Belfast MP is fighting for government support to save HMS Caroline. The historic ship, currently moored at Alexandra Dock in the Titanic Quarter, is the last surviving vessel used in the Battle of Jutland. Now Nigel Dodds, MP for North Belfast, has said the ship could "significantly enhance" the tourism package in Northern Ireland.
MP Calls On Government To Keep WWI Ship In Belfast
A Belfast MP is fighting for government support to save HMS Caroline. The historic ship, currently moored at Alexandra Dock in the Titanic Quarter, is the last surviving vessel used in the Battle of Jutland. Now Nigel Dodds, MP for North Belfast, has said the ship could "significantly enhance" the tourism package in Northern Ireland.
26 September 2011
WWI-era HMS Caroline Stars In Documentary
An Irish filmmaker has been all at sea on board a warship that survived the Battle of Jutland.
WWI-era HMS Caroline Stars In Documentary
An Irish filmmaker has been all at sea on board a warship that survived the Battle of Jutland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
