Northern Ireland

Abandoned boat to be removed from Dundrum Bay after a decade

The boar has been abandoned in Dundrum Bay since 2009. Picture by Mourne Observer
The boar has been abandoned in Dundrum Bay since 2009. Picture by Mourne Observer The boar has been abandoned in Dundrum Bay since 2009. Picture by Mourne Observer

AN abandoned boat which has become a landmark on Dundrum Bay after lying stricken for a decade is to finally be removed.

The 30-tonne vessel, which dates back to World War II, is expected to be taken from the water within the next few weeks.

It comes after Newry, Mourne and Down District Council invited contractors to remove and dispose of the stricken vessel after it was granted a draft marine licence by the Department of Agriculture, Enviroment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

The licence was required by the council before the boat, which still has its two eight cylinder engines in place, is allowed to be removed.

"By virtue of the lease, it is the responsibility of the council to arrange for the removal of any nuisance or unauthorised moorings from this part of the foreshore," it states.

The selected contractor will have to remove the remnants of the decaying oak-constructed boat, which is lying on its starboard side.

It has been abandoned in Dundrum Inner Bay since 2009 after being towed from Kilkeel following a storm.

Built in 1943, it was used to protect Weymouth harbour during the build-up to D-Day. It was also used an an anti-smuggling interceptor after the Second World War before it was decommissioned in 1976.

It's not the first time that a boat has been abandoned on the sands of Dundrum bay.

The SS Great Britain, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was grounded for almost a year during her fifth voyage to New York in 1846 after a navigational error.

It was eventually salvaged and put back into service.