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Conservation experts pledged today that the Cutty Sark will rise from the
ashes of this morning's catastrophic fire that engulfed the 19th century tea
clipper.
Up to 80 per cent of the vessel, one of Britain’s best-preserved maritime
treasures, was damaged in the blaze, which police are treating as suspicious.
Fortunately, half of the timbers and the artefacts kept on board had been
removed from the site as part of a three-year conservation project which
began last November.
The skeleton of the vessel has been substantially damaged, but this afternoon
Richard Doughty, the chief executive of the Cutty Sark Trust, said that he
had now been able to inspect the ship and that he saw no sign of significant
buckling in the unique vessel's wrought iron frame.
"We have lost a lot of fabric from the decks, but planks from the hull are
very substantial and much of it seems to have suffered just surface
burning," said Mr Doughty.
"Buckling of the hull remains a big fear, but until we do the measurements we
are not going to know. With my naked eye, as far as I have been able to see,
the structure of the ship seems to be intact."
It emerged that prompt action by firefighters saved the ship's ornate
figurehead, which was on display inside the exhibition centre next to the
ship. The fire crews directed their jets of water to save the white, tented
structure from going up in smoke.
Firefighters were called to the historic ship, preserved in dry dock in
Greenwich, south-east London, at 4.45am when the ship's security guard and
15 members of the public all placed emergency calls.
The fire is believed to have begun at the centre of the bottom deck and, at
the peak of the blaze, the flames stood 6ft above the top deck, according to
Cyril O’Brien, the borough fire commander who was in charge at the scene of
the blaze.
Police believe the fire may have begun in suspicious circumstances. They are
appealing for witnesses who saw people near the ship early this morning, and
a silver car that was reported driving away from the scene.
The Duke of Edinburgh - who co-founded the Cutty Sark Society in 1951 to save
the historic vessel when it was in danger of rotting away, and is president
of the Cutty Sark Trust - is due to visit Greenwich tomorrow with the Queen.
It is not known if they will extend their stay to see what has happened to
the ship.
Inspector Bruce Middlemiss, from Greenwich Borough police, said: "We are
treating the fire as suspicious as we would any fire of this scale and
importance. There are indications from local borough CCTV that there were
people in the area at the time that this fire started. There’s no indication
at this stage that these people were involved, they may merely be
witnesses."
A 200-metre cordon was placed around the ship on the banks of the Thames, and
Scotland Yard confirmed that nobody was injured. The security guard has been
interviewed and CCTV footage from nearby cameras has been taken for
analysis.
Chris Livett, the chairman of Cutty Sark Enterprises, the fundraising arm of
the Cutty Sark Trust which is running the conservation work, said that the
ship would be restored to better than her condition before the fire.
“We are absolutely devoted to the ship and will be progressing with her
conservation," said Mr Livett. “We are determined to put it back together.”
He confirmed that some of the most important parts of the ship, including the
masts, the jolly boat, half the planking and artefacts including paintings
of the ship, were all safely in storage because of the renovation work.
Mr Livett defended the security measures in place to protect the ship, saying
that a 10ft hoarding had been erected around the site and a security guard
was on patrol.
The ship was insured, but Mr Livett said that the existing £7m gap in funding
for the £25m conservation project would have widened substantially as a
result of the fire. He appealed for donations via the ship's website,
www.cuttysark.org.uk.
This morning workmen carried out urgent repairs on the shoring timbers which
hold the ship upright in dry dock, to allow fire investigators and
conservation experts on board.
By 6.20am the blaze was declared under control, and by 8am it was out, but
throughout the morning fire officers were still directing cooling sprays
into the smoking ruins. Little could be seen of the ship itself except the
white bowsprit still sticking out towards the river - the woodwork around it
was a blackened mess.
The building erected around the ship while conservation work went on was
gutted, with nothing left but a skeleton of blackened iron girders. Yards
away, however, the white-tented entrance building remained untouched except
for a light dusting of ash.
The stink of burning hung around the scene despite a breeze. Helicopters
hovered overhead as police maintained the barriers sealing off Greenwich
town centre.
Mr Doughty said that the distinctive tang of timber and ropes familiar to all
visitors to the vessel had been destroyed. "She was the Ferrari of her day
because she was the epitome of speed under sail. When you lose the original
fabric, you lose the touch of the craftsmen. You lose history itself."
Asked if the fire could have been started deliberately Mr Doughty said that he
did not believe that it had been caused by the conservation work, which had
stopped as usual on Friday afternoon, leaving the ship empty over the
weekend.
"I find it hard to believe that anything we’ve done could have set the ship
alight," he said. "There isn’t anything electrical at the heart of where the
fire started, which was pretty much in the middle at the bottom. I can’t
think of anything there apart from wood and metal."
The fire caused transport chaos, with all eastbound road traffic barred from
the town centre and only a trickle of vehicles allowed through in the
direction of London. Buses were being diverted. Cutty Sark station was
briefly closed, but soon reopened and the Docklands Light Railway was said
to be running as normal. Greenwich Foot Tunnel, also shut earlier, also
reopened.
The fire brigade was initially unable to tackle the fire fully after finding
gas cylinders and chemicals used in the conservation work stored near the
ship, and fearing that some might have been left on board over the weekend.
Residents in nearby buildings were evacuated because of fears of an
explosion.
Ian Allchin, a press officer with London Fire Brigade, told Times Online that
the firefighters' efforts were hampered. "Initially, we were in defensive
mode, with crews standing well back from the flames," he said. "We were able
to confirm within about 45 minutes that there were no hazards on board, and
began to fight the fire aggressively."
Buckingham Palace issued a statement on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh: "The
Duke was sorry to hear of the fire, this sad setback to an important example
of our national maritime heritage.
"The Duke takes a close interest in historic ships and their preservation for
future generations and as president of the Cutty Sark Trust since 2000 he
has been working closely with them in support of their fundraising."
The 280ft ship has been closed since November 2006 and was due to reopen in
2009. It needed substantial repairs because sea salt had speeded up the
corrosion of her iron framework.
The Cutty Sark is the last remaining tea-clipper, one of hundreds of ships
that would sail to China carrying manufactured goods and return to the UK
laden with tea from Shanghai.
First launched in 1869, the Cutty Sark was built for Jock Willis, known as
'White Hat Willis' for his trademark white top hat. He named the ship after
the Scots phrase for a short petticoat, worn by a fleet-footed witch in
Robert Burns' poem Tam O'Shanter.
Further to the comments of Mr S Linford of High Wycombe. Contraty to his views I can only say I have found Cutty Sark Staff helpful and willing to help in any way. In these trying times they must be vigilant in protecting the future of this magnificent vessel and the integrity of the present charity. One only has to consider HMS Victory where unscrupulous profiteers have made so many items purporting to come from timber used in it's construction that a veritable forest must have been laid to waste to provide the materials. Perhaps Mr Linfords motives are not as altruistic as at first appears. If his company (un-named) wants to support Cutty Sark shut up and send a cheque today.
Alan Lines, Chinnor, Oxford
I was surprised and disappointed by the comments of Mr. Linford of High Wycombe regarding the Cutty Sark; surely anyone truly concerned at the fate of this beautiful ship would be more understanding of the feelings of the staff at what must be a very difficult time for them considering the extra problems created by the fire . I have seen, at various venues around the country, 'articles made from Victory', is the interest here as altruistic as it seems? The Cutty Sark Trust should be given every support, not denigrated.
Barry West, Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Having tried to work now with the Cutty Sark trust to raise money as my Company did with HMS Victory and other historic British attractions I have found them incredibly arrogant and rude. Very sad because I want to support the vessel long after the present charitable status staff have moved on.
S. Linford, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
I hardly can tell you, what this loss means to me. The Cutty Sark is my favorite ship. I really love that ship and visited it severall times. I'm lliving in Germany working as an artist and shall organize an auction of one of my paintings to support the sociaty to restore the ship. I am so sad. Who is able to do such things?
J.Brandt-Stracke, Duesseldorf, Germany
I have visited the Cutty Sark twice whilst on holiday at different times. As I live in Australia, I can relate to her history. The news of the fire was widespread throughout the country and hit hard. It has been like losing an old friend. On my next trip to London, I will hope and prey to see her again. Thank God that a large proportion of her was saved.
Lawrence Davis, Riddells Creek. Victoria, Australia
As a visitor from Germany I have seen the ship two times. I remember very well the particular smell of ropes inside the hull. What a loss ! but I beleave in british determination and I am sure that this unique peace of history will be fully restored.
Matthias, Paderborn, Germany
Well, it may be about time for Greenwich Council and the local police to review security in the Greenwich Village area, adding more cameras and security measures, around the boat, the streets and the neighbouring estates. Between the daytime bag snatchers in the market, the drug dealers and the loud drunken crowds who storm the area at night, it is becoming a lawless environment. Just imagine if this fire was the result of a stupid drunken bet!!!
F, Greenwich,
Dear Friends of Cutty Sark:
What I would like to suggest is, if it has not been done already, that a model of the Cutty Sark should be made available for purchase, the proceeds to go to the restoration of the Cutty Sark.
This should also be done with all maritime vessels that are historically significant.
I hope that this makes sense to you, and should help with the financing of the restoration.
Yours,
S. Holmes
S. Holmes, London, Great Britain
Only life imprisonment Jonothan? Sabotage in a naval dockyard used to be, and perhaps still is, the last surviving offence punishable by punishable by death.This should give the arsonists , if indeed there are any, food for thought.
G.Chivrall, Todmorden, uk
The Cutty Sark was the most magnificent ship ever made,
the burning was a malicious act on such a beautiful creature.
I just hope that they can in fact rebuild it.
What a sad thing if it could never grace our fortunate eyes again. It should make us realise how much beauty there is
in the world, and how quickly it can be stricken from our firm grasp.
Grace,Ireland
grace o brien, limerick, Ireland
Loads of thoughts float through my mind. I use the word float deliberately!
It always saddened me to see this glorious icon reduced to an imprisoned collection of iron and wood.
Luckely, through this great trust, 50% of her was placed in storage. The fire didn't cause too much, if any, damage to her iron core. The bit that got damaged was rotting wood.
I have this dream....
There will be a call to restore her to floating sailing glory, her dry dock opened up and made wet. What a sight that would be, Cutty Sark, fully dressed, bearing down Thames River!
rvisser, Sassenheim, Netherlands
How many more of our irreplaceable national treasures don't currently have sprinkler systems?
I'd say this was typical of this country's attitude to protecting our heritage. Refuse to do so until it burns down then wring our hands in woe before spending thousands of times more on restoration than we ever would have needed to do on protection.
Gordon Feeney, Edinburgh,
Let the old girl die and rest in peace.
To try and restore her is wrong, it won't be a restoration, it will be a re-build, a copy.
Kevin Baker, Cramlington, UK
As sad as it is for some heritage to be destroyed, i would much rather see £3million, £10million or £25million spent on finding Maddy than on saving a ship. When will we get our priorities straight? How can such an expense be justified?
Charles, London,
I live in the area (15 years) and there have been some major fires here the last few weeks, including one on the same night as this one but has hardly been mentioned at least in national and world press. Most of the fires happen after midnight.
Wonder if it is the work of the same person who likes to see things burning and disrupting people's lives.
Merrie, London,
Life imprisonment for anyone who deliberatly caused the destruction of the worlds most famous ship. This should be a wake up call for other organisations caring for preserved ships, such as the Victory and the Warrior.
This also shold be a wake up call to the Britsh government that Britain society is going down hill fast.
Jonothan , Hobart, Tasmania
Well, for many living here now, British heritage is not an object of affection, but one of hatred, because of various incompatible ideologies and history revisions which have migrated recently. These incidents will simply increase.
Dennis, Greenwich,
I'm pretty sure the ship was properly insured - meaning, in case of an incident like this, money will be paid out to employ people to renovate the whole thing - at virtually any cost. Even if not - the money will be raised. It's this financial thing that makes me suspicious about the true reasons of the fire.
Christian, Berlin, Germany
I was really sorry to hear about the fire on the Cutty Sark, a fire at the best of times on such an old and famous ship is bad but to think it might be deliberate is shameful. I had made many trips to the Cutty Sark when I lived in the UK and I hope that she can be restored to her full glory.
Isobel Sutherland, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
I am sickened to hear of the fire on the "Cutty Sark".I remember being taken to see her when she was first at Greenwhich as a small boy back in the fifties by my father who's uncle, a shipwright, had worked on her when she was fitted out in Greenock. I have visited the "Cutty Sark" on several of my visits back to London.I feel She is part of my family.
Duncan MacLean
Reno, Nevada
Duncan MacLean, Reno, Nevada,U.S.A.
Dear Sir,
Customarily full-rigged sailing ships burnt DOWN to the waterline.... Cutty Sark would have best been served had she burnt UP to the waterline. Her wrought iron frames have decayed long ago beyond the point of rescue; quite inexplicably they are being described as essential as a record of her hull-shape. But surely no ship's lines have been more faithfully recorded than Cutty Sark's. This sterile project will emasculate [sic] her. Simon Jenkins has it absolutely right.... she is a sad shadow of her real self; she belongs on the water in sailing order not constrained by obsessives.
At Sheerness dockyard another relic of Britain maritime mercantile heritage has just embarked on an HLF funded restoration. The Thames sailing barge 'Cambria', launched thirty odd years after Cutty Sark and the last sailing cargo-carrying vessel is being restored to full operating order - no fuss, no glossy packaging, no engines!
Surely Cutty Sark deserves as much?
Yours Faithfully
Adrian Amos
Adrian Amos, London,
I hope she is restored and whoever was responsible is hanged from the yardarm.
DavidT, Portsmouth,
That ship is a massive part of most of my childhood memories. It's a sad day for everyone in Greenwich. Long Live The Cutty Sark!
Claire, Greenwich, England
If salvagable, money should be no object, put me down for £20.
Stephen Wynne, Dublin, Ireland
So sad to hear about the damage to the Cutty Sark. My great grandfather sailed on this ship. I own a beautiful print of her that my father left me. I live in Australia now, but have fond memories of visiting her with my father. I look forward to hearing that she is "ship shape" again soon and I hope that these senseless vandals are apprehended soon. MAKE THEM WALK THE PLANK!!!!!!
Vivienne Higgins, Adelaide, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
I was quite distressed to hear of the fire and feel especially sorry for those who have been working on the restoration. Nevertheless, when one hears the word "maritime," Britain necessarily comes to mind, so I have every confidence such a great nation will not let one of its greatest vessels languish.
Terry Kesinger, Yorba Linda, California USA
If this was Arson then the person or persons,should be hung, I would say imprisoned for the rest of there life, but the Money that would cost to keep them would be better spent , trying to undo the damage.
It is really hard to take in, How could anyone do such a thing I am so shocked, I guess the culprit thought they were smart, hope they have the smart mouth to go with it, and their bragging gets them caught real soon
Sybil Stewart, Argyll, Scotland
As a member of the crew of the Maltese Falcon we are all mortified by the fire on the Cutty Sark. It is a vessel we have tried to beat the records off, as a benchmark for our performance as a modern day clipper. We all hope, that if this is proven to have been deliberate that the scumbags who did it, are suitably bought to justice. Cat O nine tails and keel hauling should just be the start. Hopefully the preservation society that has done such a wonderful job preserving England great seafaring heritage will bring her back to her former glory. I wish them fair winds and tight sheets in this endeavour
Ben Gill, Reading,
what's done's done.. lets build her again and this time we should free her and let her sail the world !!!!
Namit, Brisbane,
I am in total shock. Just when she was to get the rebuild that was so desperately required. Now maybe we should also focus on the other 'last Cipper Ship' the City of Adelaide (HMS Carrick) - older than Cutty Sark but just as delightful and in sore need.
HB, Canberra, Oz
The timbers of the heart crack and threaten to break when one hears that any historic ship, such as Cutty Sark, has been damaged or destroyed. Ships like her are not merely cute backdrops for a photo during an outing, but "vessels" in the sense that they carry human history, tradition, culture, and courage within their planks, their plates, and their bones. May Cutty Sark emerge from these ashes and inspire many generations to come.
Jan P. Christensen, Brooklyn, NY, USA
A tragedy for many, have visited this icon on a number of occasions from my youth. If this was deliberate its just another sad reflection on society. May she rise again and make this just another chapter in her marvelous history.
Ashley French, Echuca, Australia
It might interest everyone to know that on 10 January this year, John Randall MP put a question to Parliament requesting that a Bill be passed to preserve ("list") vehicles of historic interest. His main focus was supporting the campaign to restore at least one Concorde to flight, but he also referred to historic ships such as the City of Adelaide. The passing of such a bill could certainly be a great help to the Cutty Sark. For further details, see: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2007-01-10a.300.0&s=speaker%3A10660#g300.1
K John, London, UK
What a tragic shame.
No evidence of course but Will the politically correct avoid the truth if it is proven that this is the work of Muslim terrorists?
Perhaps this incident will cause Britain to take stronger preventative steps to protect all other historic treasures regardless of suspicions about possible perpetrators?
C. Christopher Sirr, Warwick, Rhode Island, USA
I am devistated to hear that the Cutty Sark has gone up in smoke. I have always had a fasination with the ship and had visited it on my very first trip to London. If it was deliberately lit i hope those concerned rot in jail.
Michelle Jones, Ballarat, Victoria Australia
I hope it wasn't vandals. I hope it was an accident. It would be rather sickening to think we shared the planet with people who would do that.
I know that worse things happen. At the moment World Service News are reporting fighting in a refugee camp. But this still matters. It's a similar mindset: that what I want, whether it's political power or the 'fun' of seeing 'a good fire', is more important than anyone else's wellbeing.
Timothy, Tullamore, Ireland
We must restore the Cutty Sark. The money would be better spent on saving her for another century than on an Olympic Tiddlywinks Arena which would serve for only a fortnight. She is too valuable to risk at sea, but should be restored to show the life and conditions of service of the times. She is a part of our identityand if she goes, then we are that much reduced. Take such time as is needed, and raise whatever money is needed, but do the job right.
Richard Cooper, Dunstable, UK
It was a sad thing for all of us that the Cutty Sark burnt down. It really did bring joy to Greenwich but I feel that I have known the grand ship forever. Whoever did it must soon realise what such a bad thing they have done and I hope that the police find them and lock them up.
Maisie age 8, Bexley, Kent
'Cutty' is a major national treasure and must rise from her ashes." Where theres a willis a way" However; if the majority of her original iron composite structure has to be replaced then maybe we should have a rethink. She would then be more of a replica than the queen of the clippers and as such maybe the £12 millon would be better spent getting her into a condition where she could sail with a MCA Certificate.
Alan Heywood
Alan Heywood, Stroud. Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
For ejc, keel hauling was a terrible punishment for wrong-doers amongst the crew, whereby they were 'hauled under the keel of the boat' by a rope. It often resulted in death, either from drowing, or the battering received from being hauled under the hull. Yuk!
Melanie, Farnborough,
The Cutty Sark is wonderful, but why does'nt anybody ever mention the Marco Polo which was faster?
Because the Cutty Sark is the only Tea Clipper left, I think?
Rebecca, Nottingham,
What a catastrophy! I was shocked, hearing this bad news in the radio this morning. This important maritime monument must be restored! I think, there will be enough lovers of sailing vessels all over the world to spent the money it will need. So, what is the number of the bank?
Ralf Wilde, Köln, Germany
Pah!
Go to Bristol to see the SS Great Britain. It's properly restored, has a fantastic museum attached, and even has smell-o-vision downstairs.
Thomas, Cornwall, England
As a boy living in London, I watched the Cutty Sark being put into the dry dock (1954). I have fond memories of Greenwich and the ship. I hope that it can be restored to it's former beauty.
Mike, Hungary
Mike Collins, Nagyvenyim, Hungary
I've been to London many times. On every visit I've made it a point to visit the Cutty Sark. From when I was a small boy till now I've been fascinated by the ship, and honestly awed by the ship's grace and presence.
When he's old enough, I'm hoping to bring my son to see her restored to her true beauty.
Is there any way to donate to the restoration from the States?
Barry, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
What terrible news!
As a child I built countless models of the Cutty Sark and only last year I finally managed to come to London to see it live, it was beautiful...
I am so sorry this happened, it might be restored, but the originality is gone forever.
Enzo, Torino, Italy
Very sad news of Cutty Sark fire, a ship that is part of our British and International maritime history. If deliberately lit, hope perperators are punished to the maximum in law, and made to help to repair her, at no cost, with a ropes end under a good old fashioned bo'sun!!
Would this help to remind people that a similar sailing ship, City of Adelaide, is currently lying rotting in Glasgow needing money to restore her.
Alec Angus, Adelaide, South Australia
To keel haul someone, you tie them to two ropes and drag them lengthways under a vessel (ie, under the keel - the large strut running from front to back). I believe. If that's not true, please could someone correct me?
Helen P, Reading, Berkshire
Just remember that this was only a 50% inferno with all the interesting pieces currently under restoration elsewhere. Moreover, the more spectacular imagery would have been from the burning awning covering her during restoration. Finally, the speed with which the fire was brought under control suggests that this isn’t as serious as the media is representing it.
Just make sure that there is enough money to restore her to all full her glory.
Paul Graham, Greenwich,
Very sad piece of news this. I hope she can be salvaged. She is an important part of maritime history and it is sad to see her brought down.
Jillian henderson-Long, Croydon, UK
A tragedy for many, have visited this icon on a number of occasions from my youth. If this was deliberate its just another sad reflection on society. May she rise again and make this just another chapter in her marvelous history.
Ashley French, Echuca, Australia
We have lost a symbol of our maritime heritage - this is a national tragedy.
Hugh, London,
The Cutty Sark is wonderful, but why does'nt anybody ever mention the Marco Polo which was faster?
Chris McDonnell, Mt Barker, Australia
For those wishing to support the rebuilding work:
http://www.cuttysark.org.uk/index.cfm?fa=contentGeneric.wpdtwvowobgzrrrg
Felicja, Manchester,
Who has most to gain out of this horrendous destruction? Therein may lurk the arsonist criminal(s).
Maxadolf, Epsom, UK
As a shipwright and sailor on an historic sailing vessel, the news this morning struck a sickening blow. However all may not be lost. Big timbers are slow to burn and wrought iron can be forged back to shape. The deck timbers, carlins, etc are probably gone, but the hull should be sound. OK...so she needs to be re-topped and re-decked. In her sailing life, that would have happened about every 20 years as routine work.
What can we do to help? I know that the American tall ship community stands ready to help where we can. Jens Hensen is right, where do we donate money?
One last note...before we go keelhauling anyone or whpping up fears of terrorism let's find out the facts. I know full well that a pile of oily rags carelssly left over the weekend can burst into flames. It could have been something as simple and tragic as that.
I know I'll be following the developments from now on. Good luck, Cutty Sark!
Marcus Brandt, Philadelphia, USA
I'm so saddened by this and can't understand how anyone would want to harm this ship if it was done deliberately.
Since I was a small child she was my favorite and I used to build models of her to display; and dream of days and men serving on them. The Clippers were such beautiful ships and the Golden Age of sailing and ships such as the Cutty Sark must be preserved for history. I certainly hope she can be repaired, and treated as a national treasure that she surely should be.
John S., Mesa, Arizona
My daughter and I toured the Cutty Sark in 1996 during a trip to the UK. We wandered through a host of cathedrals, castles, and gardens (including the flower show at Hampton Court) during that trip. I'm not quite sure why the Cutty Sark made such a personal impression. Perhaps it was my imagination racing across oceans in such cramped quarters, or the ingrained smell of tea, or the extended history of an empire that the ship called to mind. My daughter loved the figurehead. Whatever the cause of the fire, it is my hope that no one was injured and that the damage to theCutty Sark can be repaired.
Sarah Costin, Fallbrook, USA/California
I built a model of this ship as a child. I wish to see her again on a visit to England.
If it was arson I hope the individuals are put to work for the rest of thier lives to repay the damage. Keel Hauling would be to good for them.
Russ, Raleigh, USA
Devastating, when we lived in London my boys loved this ship and we went there regularly. We have many lovely photos of them aboard. I sincerely hope this does not turn out to be an act of vandalism but merely a sad accident. Good luck to all who restore her.
Sukey, Surrey, UK
Dear Sir
What is the bank account no. of the Cutty Sark Rebuilding project?
I remain, Sir, your obedient servant
Jens Hansen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Probably easier to 'restore' now, it should be repaired like the sailors knife, very very old, two new handles and three new blades, or whatever it was. Cut the funding on vistors and interpretation centres weld some plates on the bottom put it together and take if out for a sail.
antony rigby, farnham,
Just yesterday I bought a photo showing Cutty Sark in Sydney in 1888. I can't believe what has happened! I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to everyone associated with the ship and the British people as a whole.
While this has been a tragedy and a setback, from what I can see from the news reports the damage can hopefully be repaired. I was involved in the restoration of the barque James Craig in Sydney. That project started with a vessel that had been a wreck for forty years, and it took almost thirty years to restore, but it was worth it in the end. Further details at:
www.australianheritagefleet.com.au/JCraig/JCraig.html
The Cutty Sark is probably the world's most famous and best recognised ship. Britain has given her sanctuary for almost a century. I can only hope that the great maritime spirit that lies at the heart of the British Nation will support her now during her time of greatest need. Let her rise again like a Phoenix from the ashes!
Mori, Sydney, Australia
The result of having compacent lowlife in charge of this amazing piece of history .
tim, london, uk
'Keelhauling' was a punishment used by the Dutch Navy.
Rope was slung under the keel of the boat and up the other side. The unfortunate tar being punished was pulled under the keel and back up the other side. The ships hull would have been encrusted in barnacles and other marine life that would been like being dragged across broken glass, slowly, whilst trying not to drown.
It was never an 'accepted' practice by the British Navy but there are reports of the punishment being used.
ian, Islington, London,
I remember seeing this ship being dry docked as a child, it is sickening to think that this may be an act of vandalism. The Cutty Sark was the heart of Greenwich and hopefully will be again. I hope they find the person or persons that did this, lock them up and throw away the key...
Chris, Bexley, Kent
Please catch these people and treat this as a terrorist attack on Britain.
Mark, Warsaw, Poland
I went to see the Cutty Sark a few weeks ago with my son. We were expecting to be able to go in and see the restoration work, so paid £7.
Instead, I we got a really lame visitor center in a tent - you couldn't see the ship itself.
I reckon the culprit was a disgruntled tourist dad...
Tom, London, England
This is desperately sad. If this was deliberate, these people have no hearts.
Julia, Epsom, UK
I think this is a terrible tragedy, yet I find it hard to believe that anybody could harm this great ship intentionally? Even if they did i am sure she will rise triumphantly from her ashes.
William Bradstreet , Purley, England UK
Proper shame this, I pass the Cutty Sark often and was really looking forward to visiting it properly
Cale, Peckham, London
A comprehensive repair is called for, perhaps it is time to take the opportunity to restore her to seagoing condition while the repair/refit is taking place. Cutty Sark could be the ultimate sail training ship. By clipper round The Horn? Yes please!
Andrew Fanner, Cowplain, UK
What does 'keel haul' mean?
ejc, London,
It really hurts to see what the flames made out of that wonderful ship.
Guenter, Vienna, Austria
It sounds as though this mindless act of destruction was fuelled by the late night film on BBC1 called GMT.
The film features a scene where there is a party on the Cutty Sark. The time of the film (late night) coincides with the timings of the fire it would seem.....
Coincidence? maybe.
Jess, Truro - Cornwall,
I feel terribly sad about this fire.I visited the Cutty Shark in a trip to London from the Canary Islands and I was happy to see that big historic ship i no so good conditions. Now it has been destroyed bay fire. It is a pity!
JAMES, LAS PALMAS, CANARY ISLANDS
If they get caught they should be keel hauled.
GT, London,
And if it wasn't done deliberately it was a shocking act of negligence.
Alex, London,
the coutry really has to clamp down on this vandalism. What has the country come to, only this weekend in swindon there were disterbances at 3.30am Saturday after school had finished for fifth & sixth formers. They were totally out of control and when questioned parents said " So, they're eighteen & can do what they like. In my view both parents and their offspring should be put to cleaning up the mess .
c satchwell, swindon, england
If you find the perpetrators give them an old nautical treat - keel haul them!
andy , melbourne , australia
What a great nation we live in. The yob culture and useless frightened policing have led to an act of vandalism on a par with the Taliban destruction of ancient Buddhist statues. Three cheers for modern Britain.
Jamie, London,
if it was done deliberately it's a shocking act of vandalism.
Steph, London,