A RAY of hope has emerged in the battle to save a D-Day veteran that has spent years languishing in Southampton docks.
Groups have vowed to work together in a bid to preserve a former tug-tender called Calshot, which is in a poor state of repair.
It comes after the charity that owns the vessel gained a new board of directors for the first time in 23 years.
Kieran Henshall, interim chairman of the TT Calshot Trust, said the new-look board had the knowledge, experience and skills needed to secure the vessel's restoration.
He added: "We look forward to working closely with Southampton City Council, Associated British Ports (ABP) and National Historic Ships.”
Satvir Kaur, the council's cabinet member for homes, communities and culture, added: "“I would like to thank former trustees for their contributions for over the years, alongside the dedication and hard work of all the volunteers who continue to help preserve this vessel as part of Southampton’s heritage.
"We look forward to working with the new trustees and supporting them where we can in their endeavours to secure a long-term future for Calshot.”
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Alastair Welch, director of the Port of Southampton, issued a similar message.
Hannah Cunliffe, director of National Historic Ships UK added: "Calshot is a significant vessel with strong associations to the port and has been listed on the National Historic Fleet since 2007.
"As she enters this new phase in her history, I look forward to working with the appointed directors by offering support and guidance on their conservation journey.”
Calshot was launched in 1929 and helped manoeuvre the world’s greatest ocean liners as they either entered or left the port.
In 1944 she was one of more than 7,000 vessels which took part in the D-Day landings. After being renamed HMS Calshot she transported sections of the famous Mulberry harbour across the Channel to France and also served as a “non-assault HQ ship”.
But the Southampton-built vessel was declared unseaworthy by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in 2017.
Last year members of the Trust warned she was slowly deteriorating and should be moved ashore to preserve her for the nation.
They urged ABP to tow her to Mayflower Park and surround the vessel with dredged material, effectively turning her into a land-based attraction.
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