TALL SHIP ZEBU A WRECK AFTER IRISH SEA STORMS
HOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSTALL SHIP ZEBU A WRECK AFTER IRISH SEA STORMS
26 May 2021
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Tall Ship ‘Zebu’ grounded on the sea wall in Holyhead Photo: Holyhead Coastguard
A historic tall ship has been declared a wreck after being battered by a storm in the Irish Sea off Anglesey.
Tall Ship Zebu had become grounded on the sea wall in choppy seas off Holyhead on the afternoon of 15 May. She had come into port two days earlier because of unfavourable wind conditions meaning her journey south to Bristol was unsafe.
Initial assessments of Zebu showed less damage than feared and hopes were high that the ship could be saved. But further storms dashed those hopes. “It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I must announce that Tall Ship Zebu suffered further heavy damage today,” said a statement on 21 May.
Horrendous pounding
“For the entire day and throughout the night until Friday morning, Zebu was subjected to a horrendous pounding from both wind and sea,” it said. “Winds from the south up to 70 miles per hour hit Holyhead and jeopardised Zebu’s already vulnerable position.
“Captain Borrett and the master marine surveyor were at the scene whereby it soon became apparent that she has suffered further devastating damage,” said the statement.
The 100 ft Zebu is the world’s first historic tall ship to have an electric auxiliary propulsion system, swapping her old engine for an electric flux motor powered by rechargeable batteries. Built in the 1930s, she was used for festivals and training to keep alive the heritage and history of tall ships.
Tall Ship Zebu will now be removed from the sea wall to ensure the safety of other vessels using the port.
via Boating Business | Tall Ship Zebu a wreck after Irish Sea storms.