Scillonian III makes final voyage after nearly 50 years

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 9 Nov, 11:28 · Archive

The Scillonian III made its final passenger sailing between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly on Sunday, ending nearly 50 years of service. The vessel, which entered service in 1977, has carried more than five million passengers and travelled over 780,000 miles – equivalent to three trips to the moon.

A flotilla of vessels accompanied the ship on its departure from St Mary's at 14:00, including fellow Isles of Scilly Steamship Group vessels, the harbour master's vessel, and a number of island gig and community boats. A musical reception from the Cape Cornwall Singers was planned in Penzance, where the ferry arrived at 09:00 GMT from Penzance.

During the crossing, a ceremony was held on board to seal a time capsule containing memories and mementos linked to the vessel's history. The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group said it had received contributions including photographs, memorabilia, artwork and keepsakes from people who had been part of the ship's story over the years. The location where the time capsule will be placed has yet to be announced.

Stuart Reid, chief executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, said the day marked 'the end of an extraordinary chapter'. He noted that Scillonian III 'has been part of the fabric of life in the Isles of Scilly for almost 50 years' and had 'carried generations of islanders home' and 'brought families together'.

The replacement vessel Scillonian IV, which can carry 600 passengers compared to the outgoing ferry's 486, has departed the shipyard in Vietnam where it was built and is being delivered to the UK.

How it is being reported

• Scillonian III makes final sailing after nearly 50 years linking Cornwall and ScillyThe famous Isles of Scilly passenger ferry Scillonian III made her final sailing on Sunday, bringing almost five decades of service between Penzance and St Mary’s to a close.Falmouth Packet · 9 Nov, 09:55
• Pictures of Scillonian III's historic final voyageIt's the end of an eraCornwallLive · 8 Nov, 21:14
• Scilly Isles ferry set for emotional final voyageHundreds of people are expected to mark the end of an era as the Scillonian III sails off.BBC Cornwall · 8 Nov, 07:36
• Call to help say farewell with final Scillonian voyage detailsIt's the end of an era for the ferry - and it's tomorrowCornwallLive · 7 Nov, 16:00

In this story: Scillonian III · Isles of Scilly · Penzance · St Mary's · Isles of Scilly Steamship Group · Stuart Reid · Cape Cornwall Singers

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