A Co. Down vessel with a heroic WWI connection is to be scrapped if £1 million in funds can’t be found to rescue it.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s (NMDDC) economy, regeneration and tourism committee as a stakeholder, has approved the “ethical deconstruction” of the Mary Joseph ship by owners National Museums Northern Ireland (NMNI).
The ship, which was built in 1877 and registered in Newry, also has a regional importance for Kilkeel harbour as the first ship to be equipped for prawn fishing in 1954.
Mournes DUP rep, Glyn Hanna said: “This vessel is of historic importance, but unfortunately it is in a condition that is beyond financial repair and there will be an ethical deconstruction of the ship.
“I would ask that any artefacts that can be recovered be kept for Kilkeel museum pieces, that would be very much appreciated.”
However, some hope has been given in the chamber to save the ship.
Mournes Sinn Fein councillor, Willie Clarke, added: ”This vessel holds great significance as the first to be equipped for prawn fishing.
“The cost of a restoration is more than £1 million. Hopefully some organisation can take it on.”
A NMNI report before the chamber outlined the vessel’s importance.
The Mary Joseph. (Credit: National Museums NI)
It read: “Mary Joseph is a vernacular boat type known as a ‘Nickey’. Built in 1877, and constructed of wooden planks on sawn oak frames, she was registered in Newry.
“The boat has regional importance as it was the first fishing vessel in Kilkeel harbour to be equipped for prawn fishing in 1954.
“The Mary Joseph also has an interesting link to the First World War. On 17 May 1918 the Kilkeel fleet left the harbour to drift net for herring when they were approached by a German U-boat, ordered to evacuate their vessels, five of which were subsequently blown up.
“Mary Joseph assisted in bringing the men from these boats back to Kilkeel harbour.”
Newry Maritime Association (NMA) is a non-profit community interest organisation whose aim is to help revitalise the Newry Canal and its associated waterways.
The group has previously commemorated tragic and heroic seafaring events from the local area.
Chairperson of NMA, James McArevey said: “Regarding the ‘Mary Joseph’ it is sad to hear that the vessel is to be decommissioned, but the question must be asked, Why did the ship lie unattended for 31 years?
“From what I have read it is financially unviable to have a restoration project above £1 million. There is a salutary lesson to be learned, however. Artefacts such as this should receive primary care and be fully appreciated as exhibits from a previous era.”
A NMNI consultation deadline of December 9, has been put in place for any alternative solutions for Mary Joseph.
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