End for the 'Caley P.'

Michael Green captured the ship's departure from Gateshead.

The Tuxedo Princess, known locally as "the boat", was towed from her Gateshead berth on 27th July 2008 with a final destination 0f Piraeus being indicated. 

Sold by Sealink in 1981 for use as a nightclub, the ship opened her doors as such two years later.  In 1988 she was towed to Glasgow, being replaced by another former Sealink ferry, the Tuxedo Royale.  However she was to return to the Tyne 10 years later and was, until her departure, very much a part of Tyneside folklore.

She has endured a chequered past and in 2005 came close to losing its licence, amid police concerns over persistent violence and disorder. In January of that year a 19 year old man drowned when he fell into the Tyne after taking advantage of an all-you-can-drink offer aboard the boat. Owners Absolute Leisure agreed to scrap the deals after police tried to have the nightspot's licence
revoked.

However, time caught up with the old girl and when I paid a visit to the ship in September 2005 I was saddened to discover her dilapidated external condition. Plans for the Princess Quay office complex sealed the ship's fate and despite speculation of a continuing role in Ireland her Owners, Absolute Leisure, sold her to 'foreign investors'.

Following checks for a sea worthiness certificate the Tuxedo Princess was eased off her berth at low water on 27th July 2008. The event was captured by Michael Green as she moved to Northumbria Quay, North Shields to await the salvage tug which would tow her to Greece.  As can be seen in his excellent photographs, it was quite a sight to see her pass through the open Millennium Bridge, specially designed so it could accommodate the ship's eventual move, as she left Hillgate Quay for good.

© Michael Green

The ship's safe arrival in Piraeus as the Prince raised the question what future, if any, could await her there.  A continuing static role seemed unlikely, the call being seen as a stop-off before proceeding on to the breakers yard. This was indeed the scenario and in a matter of days she was on her way again, bound for Turkish shipbreakers.  With her departure all eyes moved to her former running mate, the Tuxedo Royale, laid up at Grimsby.

Fotis Marinelis was on hand in Greece for the ship's arrival © Fotis Marinelis

The Caledonian Princess