Ocean Glory

Dover, Sunday 7th October 2001.

Behind the cross channel ferry Pride of Kent, the 50 year old cruise liner Ocean Glory waits alongside the Eastern Arm of the harbour for new owners to take it over after it was impounded by Health and Safety inspectors when it arrived in port early in the summer.

On arrival in July the ship was found to be infested with cockroaches and lacking in basic safety features, making it unsafe for passengers.  The international crew spoke little English.  Following an order of sale from the High Court in August, the 240 crew members had to be evacuated and repatriated before the ship could be sold to pay their wages and the costs of keeping it moored in the harbour.

It was suggested that the ship would be taken to Greece to be scrapped but there are fears that it may be renamed and put back into service by its new owners.