Rallying call for Dumbarton-built DELTA QUEEN
Efforts grow to save historic vessel of long gone era...

Efforts to save the DELTA QUEEN, the Mississippi stern wheel paddle ship initially built in Dumbarton, Scotland in 1925, continue apace as individuals, campaign groups, websites and the Majestic America Line, her owners, step up their campaigns to save the veteran vessel.

For many years the ship has had a stay of execution, being exempted from Safety at Sea laws but this year could be her last, certainly as a going concern, as it looks unlikely, say some, that she will be exempted again.

That has not stopped her many admirers pursuing for an exemption and her owners, Majestic America, have planned a programme of special tributes for each of the ports she visits this season featuring a presentation to each city, medley of river music by the Delta Queen Band and remarks by Delta Queen’s Captain from the bow of the boat. A calliope concert will follow as Delta Queen departs.

The company says efforts are ongoing to get an exemption. Support for the elderly vessel has come from many quarters. Just at the weekend the Kentucky Derby Festival bestowed its Silver Horseshoe Award, given annually for community service, to the ship.

In February a resolution was passed urging Congress to grant the exemption.

For a history of the ship, please see our article published in August of last year here:

http://www.shippingtimes.co.uk/ite802_deltaqueen.htm