An ill-fated cabin cruiser has suffered a similar fate to its namesake, though thankfully with far less serious consequences
A cabin cruiser called Titanic II has sunk on its maiden voyage for its new owner after developing a large hole in its hull. Unlike its namesake, this sinking was not in the icy waters of the North Atlantic, but in the quiet waters of West Bay Harbour in Dorset.
The 16ft cabin cruiser, which was recently bought by Mark Wilkinson, started taking on water as it returned to harbour on Saturday after a short fishing trip in Lyme Bay and within minutes the stern had sunk, leaving the bow upright, supported only by a trapped air pocket.
Coastguards and West Bay’s harbourmaster were called to help and pulled Mr Wilkinson from the water and a line was passed to secure the boat to the harbour wall. The Titanic II was later lifted from the water and towed away for repairs.
Harbourmaster James Radcliffe said that it appeared that the hole was caused by a faulty previous repair, although Mr Wilkinson had to fend off numerous people asking if he had hit an iceberg.
The timing is particularly pertinent as the centenery of the launching of the Titanic was celebrated just last week.
