Royal Iris: glory days

For 42 years, The Royal Iris was the pride of the Mersey Ferries until it was sold to James Jegede. He purchased the former ferryboat with plans of turning it into floating disco. None of his plans came to fruition and for the last few years, it has been left berthed on the Thames close to the Woolwich Ferry. It has been deteriorating during this time and now looks in very poor shape.

Last night, the Gravesend Lifeguard was called out after the boat started sinking and someone reported there were people onboard the decaying vessel. No one was found onboard, but the Royal Iris was swamped in mud and water up to the deck level.

RNLI Helmsman, Graham Tassell said: “We arrived to find an eerie scene – it was a pretty odd sight as everything was so calm and silent. We conducted a search alongside officers. Thankfully no persons were found to be onboard, although no one could check the lower levels due to water entry.”

Royal Iris: sitting in the mud

The Royal Iris was taken out of service and left the banks of the Mersey in 1991 and was towed down to Cardiff. She was going to be revamped into a floating nightclub but when permission was refused, she ended her days floating on the River Thames. It is believed the vessel, a diesel electric ship built for Wallasey Ferries of Liverpool in 1950, has been taking on water at every high tide as she sits on the mud. The Royal Daffodil, along with new ship The Royal Iris of Mersey, have become the flagship vessels now being used to cross the Mersey.

It is sad that one of Liverpool’s most cherished vessels has been left to decay and slowly sink into the mud of the River Thames. It is even sadder that current owner, James Jegede, has been contacted on a few occasions to talk about selling the boat and he has refused all offers from Liverpool Council and Mersey Ferries.

Photo of Royal Iris sitting in the mud by Dave Wood