A major Belfast Harbour attraction HMS Caroline could be towed back to Portsmouth "for its own protection" within the next year, it has emerged.
Dr Tim Schadla-Hall, the chairman of the HMS Caroline Preservation Society, writes Belfast Telegraph, has warned the First World War (historic) ship was at risk in a letter to Economy Minister Diane Dodds.
He said that with the vessel to remain closed until next year because of the coronavirus pandemic, its future as a tourist attraction was in doubt.
Dr Schadla-Hall added that if it was not allowed to reopen within the next four to six weeks, the National Museum of the Royal Navy may be forced to intervene and return it to Portsmouth.
The Executive wants to keep HMS Caroline closed while studies are carried out, but Mr Schadla-Hall maintained that these could be completed while it was operational.
For further reading including the impact of lock-down on the veteran vessel click here.
