30 Years of Nature

So today I turned 30 years old. A milestone birthday it would seem is a daunting one until it arrives as now the day is here I feel no different!! I still feel the same as I did when I turned 18, one or two greys perhaps but I blame my children for that as they certainly keep me on my toes. 30 years in terms of time for us human beings does see many changes, but buildings for example stand well against the test of 30 years, although interiors may change the exterior remains solid and looking pretty much as it did the day it was completed.

But what about cruise ships? 30 years on the waves must surely age the steel structures and certainly you would think that many refits would have needed to have taken place over that time to maintain both the interior and exterior. That would be the case for ships in use of course, such as Cruise and Maritime’s Astor which entered service in 1987 and is still sailing today, but what of those ships left to the elements? I have seen several stories about abandoned ships in the last few years that always make me feel a little sad to see them looking so unloved.

One of those in particular is the story of the Duke of Lancaster. She was used as a ferry mainly but due to her build and luxurious style fittings was used several times a year as a luxury cruise liner, before being purchased from British Rail by a private owner to turn into an entertainment complex. She was finally abandoned on the shores of Llanerch-y-Mor in North Wales in 1979 where she has rested ever since decaying on the coast lin despite the efforts of some enthusiasts who have tried without success to save the vessel and have her restored.

Videos have appeared online posted by locals who have climbed onboard to take a look around and whilst the chairs and tables are still present in the bars and restaurants, the beds in the cabins and the lifeboats still hanging from deck there are collapsing ceilings, rotting floors and as you would imagine the whole structure is being eaten by the elements. Its a very sad sight and seems such a shame when she had such a vibrant past.