Hanson sets homecoming date for SS Nomadic - 04 July 06
Social Development Minister, David Hanson, announced on 4 July that the SS Nomadic would return to Belfast on Monday 17 July 2006.
The Minister said: “Department for Social Development (DSD), Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Anchor Marine have finalised the arrangements for the return of the SS Nomadic to Belfast. The barge carrying Nomadic will berth alongside the Odyssey on 17 July and will remain there for 48 hours to allow the public to see the vessel from the shore. Nomadic will then move to the Harland & Wolff dry dock for a month before reaching her berth which Belfast Harbour Commissioners are providing.
“The homecoming of the Nomadic marks a key milestone in the efforts of all those who have worked to save and restore her. During her month at Harland and Wolff, Nomadic will be assessed to prepare her for the National Historic Ships Register. DSD will also complete the arrangements for the charitable trust to be in place from September with the remit of coordinating fundraising to pay for Nomadic’s restoration and to oversee the restoration.
“July 17 will be an important date for logging in the record of Northern Ireland’s proud maritime heritage. There is world–wide interest in the Titanic and its links with Belfast. Nomadic has the potential to bring the living history of this period back to Belfast in a tangible way which will help to attract tourists and regenerate the City”.
Notes to Editors:
- SS Nomadic was built by Harland and Wolff and was launched in April 1911. Her role was to transfer first class passengers from the landing stage in Cherbourg to the great liners Titanic and Olympic and many famous people were passengers in the ship. She could transport 1000 passengers.
- The Nomadic has a gross tonnage of 1273 and is 221 feet long.
- For further information on the preparations for the SS Nomadic Homecoming please contact 028 9082 9490.
|
