Hundreds sign online QE2 funnel petition

FUNNEL VISION: A petition is calling for the return of the QE2 funnel to its UK home of Southampton. (Getty Images)

Hundreds of people have signed an online petition urging Dubai-based Nakheel, the new owners of the QE2, to return the iconic funnel of the ship to the UK.

The world famous liner is due to arrive in the emirate on Nov. 26 for the start of a new life which will see it anchored off Palm Jumeirah and refurbished into a hotel and leisure tourism destination.

It is understood that part of the transformation will include the removal of the funnel, with a four storey glass tower containing luxury suites and a penthouse with its own swimming pool, built in its place.

The funnel is expected to be rebuilt on the island as part of a grand entrance to a pier leading to the hotel.

But an online petition has been set up urging the return of the funnel to its previous English home of Southampton, reported the Southern Daily Echo newspaper on Friday.

Almost 2,000 people have signed up in just a few days to give their support to the demand that QE2’s distinctive funnel should be given back to the city, the liner’s home for nearly 40 years.

The newspaper sparked the idea of the petition and QE2 fan Glenn Hipwell, 31, of Sholing, Southampton, appealed via an Internet social networking site for people to add their names to his petition.

He told the paper: "Will we get the funnel back? I don’t expect we will, but at least all those who loved the ship and saw her as part of our city’s heritage can let those who made the decision over QE2’s future know just how much we all care."

A world-class theatre which aims to attract West End and Broadway shows to Dubai will be part of the QE2 refurbishment plan.

Once refurbished by Nakheel, the QE2 will be set afloat on the eastern side of the trunk of Palm Jumeirah at the end of a specially designed, land-bridge precinct that will evoke all the grandeur, luxury and exclusivity associated with ocean cruise liners.

QE2 was purchased last year by Nakheel's parent company, Dubai World.

She is arguably one of the world's most famous ships and has circumnavigated the world 25 times, crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times and carried more than 2.5 million passengers including kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents, astronauts and many international celebrities.

She survived a 95 ft wave during Hurricane Luis, carried 3,000 troops to the Falklands War and rescued 500 passengers from a burning ship.

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READERS' COMMENTS

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Posted by AirMiles, Dubai, UAE on Monday 24 November 2008 at 01:55 UAE time


Let's face it, she's been saved from being beached somewhere in the Indian sub-continent and turned into razor blades and belt buckles. This is a new lease of life for the old girl and at least she will still be around for people to walk on board and enjoy the new features she will have to offer. You want to see the funnel? Excellent! Pop over to Dubai and see it in the centre piece of the museum being built to honour her. She'll still be in the water, where she looks best and not landlocked surrounded my cement like another ship I can mention. This is a cause for celebration, not complaints. However, if you feel strongly enough, make Nakheel an offer for it. I'm sure they will quote you a reasonable price. 1 pound each from everyone she has carried might be a good start. Good luck!

QE2 funnel petition
Posted by AD, Dubai on Saturday 22 November 2008 at 14:33 UAE time

I have a better idea for you people: Why not contribute financially and if you'll raise enough funds you can try to buy it back, instead of demanding it to be handed over from the lawful owner.

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