History / Shetland Bus boat to be scrapped after campaign concedes defeat
A CAMPAIGN to save a historic Shetland Bus boat from the scrapheap has conceded defeat after the vessel suffered more damage at a Norwegian shipbreaking yard.
She was one of the fishing boats used in the World War II Shetland Bus operation.
Vita was sent to be scrapped because the Norwegian museum which owns her was not able to raise enough money to keep the boat in its collection.
A campaign was launched to raise funds for Vita’s possible removal from the yard, with interest from Norway and Scotland helping to generate more than £3,500.
But the Friends of Vita group has now made the “difficult decision” to halt its planned rescue attempt.
The group said it was in the process of organising a temporary repair to Vita, and had looked into towing her from the yard.
But despite regular discussions with those involved, the group said Vita was “extensively damaged”, including a hole in her bow.
Further damage has since occurred, with the keel and stern area “damaged beyond repair”.
The group said in a statement: “In addition, the breakers yard has not been able to offer any extra time to delay the scrapping.
“The cost to hire a crane to lift her onto a barge, and all associated costs, is impossible to justify, and outwith our reach.
“If the recent damage had not taken place, and, ideally, we had found out about Vita’s plight prior to her having been towed to the breakers yard, we believe that Vita could have been saved.”
The group added it will be in touch with those who have made larger donations, with an offer to return all or part of them.
“We would like to retain smaller donations, if possible, as we would like to develop a small display and online resource about Vita, and the Shetland Bus story, in Shetland/Norway or both, likely in conjunction with an existing museum.
“For this, we will keep the fundraiser going a little longer, so that we can develop a display that is worthy of Vita, her crew’s contribution to the war effort, and that of the other Shetland Bus boats and crews.”
Artefacts were saved from Vita prior to her being towed to the breakers yard, and the group is also looking at saving further items if possible.
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