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St. Michael�s Mount amphicraft departs Dry Dock
30
Jul
2012
Penzance Dry Dock recently welcomed a rather unusual vessel, possibly the first in the dock�s history to arrive by sea then continue by road to be serviced.
St Michael's Mount�s amphicraft, the St. Michael, arrived into Penzance Harbour before driving up Albert Pier slipway and along Wharf Road, in through the main gates into the Dry Dock sheds.
The passenger carrying amphibious craft, which is able to sail on water and drive on dry land, is now set to depart Dry Dock on Friday (27 July) following a completed service of minor repairs and external painting.
The St. Michael provides a transport lifeline to residents of the island during the winter months when the Marazion to St. Michael�s Mount duty boat service is not operating, ferrying the island children to school, bringing provisions from the mainland and transporting out of season visitors.
Built 10 years ago by Sivad Maritime in Falmouth, the amphibious vehicle was specifically commissioned by Lord St Leven to transport his family and the islanders to and from St. Michael�s Mount, replacing the WWII DUKW�s that used to service the Mount for similar purposes.
The St. Michael has the royal seal of approval, after a visit in 2006 by the Earl and Countess of Wessex when Prince Edward tried his hand at driving it while visiting the island.
Penzance Dry Dock is leased to the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company and is one of the UK�s longest established dry docks, providing facilities for vessels in need of repair and conversion.
Open 365 days of the year, the Dry Dock has a skilled workforce and takes in around 10 to 15 ships a year. It has a dedicated docking berth, a drying-out berth and a range of workshops for fabrication, fitting, electrical work and carpentry.
Jeff Marston, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company commented �The team at Penzance Dry Dock are very experienced and have some of the best skills and knowledge in the industry. As well as servicing our own vessels and supporting the local fishing industry, the team provides a vital service to other local businesses and we are proud to support St Michael�s Mount and the St Aubyn Estate.
�Just as the Scillonian III provides a vital lifeline to residents of the Isles of Scilly, so does the St. Michael to islanders on St. Michaels Mount, and it was a pleasure for the team to work on such an unusual vessel.�
Ends
26 July 2012
Notes to Editors:
Isles of Scilly Steamship Company Ltd was formed on 26 March 1920 and the first Scillonian Ship began regular trips to the Isles of Scilly on Thursday 2 February 1926. Since then the company has continually operated the shipping service which is a life line for the Isles of Scilly.
Penzance Dry Dock is leased to the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company and is one of the UK�s longest established dry docks, providing facilities for vessels in need of repair and conversion.
Open 365 days of the year, the Dry Dock has a skilled workforce and takes in around 10 to 15 ships a year. It has a dedicated docking berth, a drying-out berth and a range of workshops for fabrication, fitting, electrical work and carpentry.
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