Cutty Sark fire
On 21st May 2007 at 4.45am a fire broke out at the world famous Cutty Sark in Greenwich. The fire was put out by the London Fire Brigade by 6.28am. As part of a major conservation project, a great deal of work had already been carried out on the ship prior to the fire making it a devastating blow. However, 50% of the ship had been removed for conservation reasons; including the masts, the coach house and a significant amount of planking, so the damage could have been a lot worse.
As well as being a major set back for the people working on the conservation project this is a significant blow to our maritime heritage. It will take a considerable amount of effort and funding to get the work back on track. £25m was needed to preserve the ship; the group already had £18m raised and are now appealing for help to close the funding gap and to return the ship to its former glory.
This, the world’s most famous clipper ship has been rescued twice before – in 1922 and 1953. Details of how to make a donation are available on the Cutty Sark website at www.cuttysark.org.uk. Donations can also be sent to the Cutty Sark Trust at 2 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BG.
Latest news
The Cutty Sark Visitor Centre shop has now re-opened. The shop sells a full range of gifts and souvenirs relating to Cutty Sark. They are also selling unigue bags of salt for £1 donations to help toward the appeal fund. The ship's original figurehead Nannie will also be on display.
Visit the Cutty Sark website (www.cuttysark.org.uk)