View source for MS Riverdance

{{Short description|Scrapped, UK registered roll-on/roll-off ferry}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}
<!--Other ferry articles use MS rather than M/S. Please do not redirect to M/S Riverdance without obtaining consensus on the talk page first.-->
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=MS Riverdance.jpg}}
{{Infobox ship career
|Hide header=
|Ship country= [[Bahamas]]
|Ship flag= [[File:Civil Ensign of the Bahamas.svg|60px]]
|Ship name= ''Riverdance''
|Ship owner=*Mashala Shipping Co., [[Hamilton, Bermuda]]
*[[Seaboard Corporation|Seaboard]] (1987)
*Schiaffino Lines (1988)
*[[Sally Line|Sally Ferries]]
*[[Seatruck Ferries]] (1997–2008)
|Ship operator= Crescent Marine Services Ltd
|Ship ordered=
|Ship builder= Rickmers Reederei G.m.b.H, [[Bremerhaven]], Germany.
|Ship yard number=389
|Ship laid down=
|Ship launched= 15 April 1977
|Ship completed= 30 June 1977
|Ship christened= ''Mashala''
|Ship renamed=*''Halla'' (1987)
*''Tikal'' (1988)
*''Schiaffino'' (1989)
*''Sally Eurobridge'' (1993)
*''Eurobridge'' (1994)
*''Sally Eurobridge'' (1995)
*''Eurobridge'' (1996)
*''Riverdance'' (1996)
|Ship acquired=
|Ship in service=
|Ship out of service= 31 January 2008
|Ship homeport= [[Nassau, Bahamas]]
|Ship fate=Beached at [[Blackpool]], Lancashire on 31 January 2008. Scrapped on-site May – October 2008.
|Ship identification= {{IMO Number|7635361}}, Callsign C6CG3
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Ship class=
|Ship tonnage= 6041 GRT
|Ship displacement=
|Ship length= {{convert|116.31|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam= {{convert|18.22|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship height=
|Ship draught= {{convert|5.38|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship draft=
|Ship depth=
|Ship ice class=
|Ship sail plan=
|Ship power= {{convert|4410|kW|hp}}
|Ship propulsion= 2 x MaK 8M453AK Diesel engines
|Ship speed= {{convert|15|kn|km/h}}
|Ship capacity= 12 passengers, 65 trailers
|Ship crew= 19
|Ship notes=
}}
|}
{{location map|United Kingdom Blackpool|width=304
|lat=53.8732
|long=-3.0524
|caption=Location where ''Riverdance'' ran aground at Blackpool, Lancashire.}}

'''''Riverdance''''' was a [[roll-on/roll-off]] ferry in service with [[Seatruck Ferries]] on the [[Irish Sea]]. On 31 January 2008 she was hit by a wave that caused her cargo to shift and she beached at [[Blackpool]],<!-- DO NOT CHANGE TO CLEVELEYS, SEE TALK PAGE --> very close to the boundary with [[Cleveleys]]. Large amounts of the ship's cargo was spilled overboard after the ship ran aground, resulting in much of it being salvaged by members of the public. Attempts to refloat her failed, and she was scrapped on site during 2008.

Her normal route was [[Heysham]] – [[Warrenpoint]]. A cargo vessel, she was permitted under UK maritime law to carry up to 12 passengers.

==History==
Built as ''Mashala'' in 1977, renamed ''Halla'' in 1987, ''Tikal'' in 1988 and ''Schiaffino'' in 1989, she operated at first in the [[Mediterranean]] and then the [[Caribbean]]. In 1993 she was operating in the [[Irish Sea]], renamed ''Sally Eurobridge''. In 1994 she was operating in the [[North Sea]] under the name ''Eurobridge'', returning to ''Sally Eurobridge'' when the charter ended. In 1995–96 she was on charter to Norfolk Line under the name ''Eurobridge'' again, then chartered to Seatruck and renamed ''Riverdance'', being bought outright in 1997.<ref name=MDA>{{cite web | url = http://www.ibiblio.org/maritime/media/index.php?cat=125&page=2| publisher = Maritime Digital Archive| title = Maritime Digital Encyclopedia | access-date = 1 February 2008}}</ref>

==Shipwreck==
On 31 January 2008 at 19:30<ref name=GMT>All times [[GMT]]</ref> she was "broadsided" by a wave, causing the cargo to shift.<ref>''The Guardian'' page 3 dated 2 February 2008 ISSN 0261-3077</ref> At 19:45 the captain sent a [[Mayday (distress signal)|Mayday]] call. The ship was listing at 60 degrees. At 20:00 the rescue crew at [[RAF Valley]] on [[Anglesey]] was put on standby, being scrambled at 20:20.<ref name=BBC>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/7221237.stm| publisher = BBC News Online|  title = Air rescue for ferry travellers | access-date = 1 February 2008 | date=31 January 2008}}</ref><ref name=Gaz2>{{cite web| url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry-drama-Timeline.3734939.jp| publisher = [[Blackpool Gazette]]| title = Riverdance ferry drama: Timeline| access-date = 1 February 2008| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080202153829/http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry-drama-Timeline.3734939.jp| archive-date = 2 February 2008| url-status = dead}}</ref> [[Liverpool]] [[Coastguard]] co-ordinated assistance. [[Helicopter]]s from the [[Irish Coast Guard]], [[Royal Navy]] and [[Royal Air Force]] attended,<ref name=BBC4/> along with lifeboats from [[Lytham]] and [[Fleetwood]]. The ''Steersman'' assisted with communications and the support vessels ''Clwyd Supporter'' and ''Highland Sprite'' were reported to be on their way to assist.<ref name=MCA>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=76459E656FF80F00&m=1&y=2008 |publisher=Maritime & Coastguard Agency |title=LIVERPOOL COASTGUARD COORDINATE RESCUE OF PASSENGERS FROM LISTING VESSEL |access-date=1 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081125132540/http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=76459E656FF80F00&m=1&y=2008 |archive-date=25 November 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref> Before he was rescued, one of the passengers made an emotional, and what he thought at the time final, mobile phone call home to his wife.<ref name=BBC10>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7226523.stm| publisher = BBC News Online| title = Ferry rescue man feared for life | access-date = 5 February 2008 | date=4 February 2008}}</ref> Starting at 21:00, eight<ref name=Award/> people were airlifted from the ship, which lost one engine and drifted aground on [[Cleveleys]]'s North Beach opposite Anchorsholme Lane at around 22:50 (grid ref SD 309,424 {{Coord|53.873182|-3.052444|display=inline|format=dms}}),<ref name=Gaz2/><ref name=BBC2>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/7221386.stm|  publisher = BBC News Online| title = Ferry runs aground at Blackpool  | access-date = 1 February 2008 | date=1 February 2008}}</ref><ref name=Gaz>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Dramatic-airlift-from-stricken-ferry.3734540.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Dramatic airlift from stricken ferry| access-date = 1 February 2008}}</ref> very close to the remains of the [[Abana (barque)|''Abana'']].<ref name="Shipwreck">{{cite news | title = Shipwreck Gallery | publisher = Blackpool Gazette | date = 25 February 2008 | url = http://www2.blackpooltoday.co.uk/shipwreck/ | access-date = 25 February 2008 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080301143149/http://www2.blackpooltoday.co.uk/shipwreck/ | archive-date = 1 March 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>
The passengers and crew lifted off the ship arrived at [[Blackpool Airport]] at 22:00, and two of them were taken to hospital suffering from mild [[hypothermia]], but were not admitted.<ref name=Gaz2/><ref name=Gaz4>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Dramatic-airlift-from-stricken-ferry.3737467.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Desperate bid to stabilise stricken ferry| access-date = 4 February 2008}}</ref> The passenger who had called his wife was able to call her at 22:30 to say that he was safe.<ref name=Gaz6>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-passenger-phones-wife-to.3742432.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance passenger phones wife to say: "I'm going to die"| access-date = 5 February 2008}}</ref> Six crew members were taken off the vessel after it had run aground.<ref name=Award/>

The decision to evacuate the remaining nine crew members was made in the early hours of 1 February.<ref name=MCA9>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-newsroom/mcga-press-releases.htm?id=76459E656FF80F00&m=1&y=2008 |publisher=Maritime & Coastguard Agency |title=Vessel grounded at North Shore Blackpool update |access-date=1 February 2008 }}{{dead link|date=January 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The remaining crew were airlifted off the ship at 04:00 on 1 February.<ref name=Gaz2/> The rescued crew and passengers were accommodated at a hotel in [[Lancaster, Lancashire|Lancaster]] or provided with a taxi home.<ref name=Gaz4/><ref name=Gaz6/>

==The rescue==
Rescue crews involved in the incident described the weather as "some of the worst we've ever seen". The crew of the [[helicopter]] from [[RAF Valley]] said the wind was gusting between {{convert|30|and|70|kn}}. The safest position on board the ship was also the position which was most difficult for the helicopter crew to reach.

Lifeboats from Lytham and Fleetwood attended and were ready to recover any casualties from the sea. They also illuminated the ship with their [[searchlight]]s.<ref name=Gaz5>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Rescue-crews-tell-of-sea.3735063.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Rescue crews tell of sea horror| access-date = 4 February 2008}}</ref>

===Aftermath===
[[File:Riverdance aground.jpg|left|thumb|''Riverdance'' beached at Blackpool]]
Like the [[MS Athina B|''Athina B'']] at [[Brighton]] in 1980, ''Riverdance'' was a temporary [[tourist attraction]], with local traders reporting that they were as busy as they would normally be during the [[Blackpool Illuminations]].<ref name=Gaz9>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Business-booming-as-crowds-flock.3748258.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Business booming as crowds flock in to see ferry| access-date = 6 February 2008}}</ref> The boom lasted for over ten weeks, with the refloating at one time being scheduled to take place in the week commencing 18 February, coinciding with the half-term holiday. Large crowds were expected to view the refloating.<ref name=Gaz15>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Last-chance-to-see-Riverdance.3784307.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Last chance to see Riverdance| access-date = 17 February 2008}}</ref> The ship was also expected to bring extra visitors to Blackpool over the Easter weekend.<ref name=Gaz25>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry-Easter-attraction.3891467.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance ferry: Easter attraction| access-date = 20 March 2008}}</ref> The Tourist Information Centre at Cleveleys reported a large increase in enquiries in the weeks after ''Riverdance'' grounded.<ref name=Gaz27>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-visitors-boost-tourist-office.3924483.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance visitors boost tourist office figures| access-date = 28 March 2008}}</ref> Local residents complained that the influx of visitors "made their lives hell", raising parking, traffic and litter issues.<ref name=Gaz28>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry-making-our-lives.3929583.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance ferry 'making our lives hell'| access-date = 2 April 2008}}</ref> By early April, the number of visitors had begun to drop.<ref name=Gaz29>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Shine-wearing-off-Riverdance-ferry.3953535.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Shine wearing off Riverdance ferry| access-date = 7 April 2008}}</ref>

The owner of an ice-cream parlour in [[Cleveleys]] prepared a display of photographs of the stricken ferry and used them to raise funds for the local [[Fleetwood]] branch of the [[Royal National Lifeboat Institution|RNLI]], in appreciation of their work in rescuing the passengers and crew.<ref name=Gaz31>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Raspberry-tribute-to-Riverdance-ferry.3966021.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Raspberry tribute to Riverdance ferry| access-date = 11 April 2008}}</ref> Blackpool Council was reported to be studying the effect that the shipwreck had on tourism, and looking to learn lessons that could help boost tourism. It was estimated that over 100,000 people came to see the ''Riverdance''.<ref name=Gaz34>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-tourism-lesson.4108259.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance tourism lesson| access-date = 24 May 2008}}</ref>

===Awards===
The crew of the helicopter from RAF Valley involved in the rescue were given the 2008 Defence Helicopter SAR award for their part in the rescue: Flight Lieutenant Lee Turner, Flight Lieutenant Giles Ratcliffe, Sergeant John Stevens and MACR Rich Taylor.  Flt Lt Lee Turner was also awarded the Air Force Cross by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.<ref name=Award>{{cite web | url = http://www.shephard.co.uk/Rotorhub/Default.aspx?Action=745115149&ID=0ceac1fc-e975-4484-9b0b-b800abc34302| publisher = Rotorhub.com| title = Royal Air Force wins Defence Helicopter SAR 2008 Award for Riverdance Ferry Rescue| access-date = 21 April 2008}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Chief Coastguard Commendation for Meritorious Service was awarded to the 5 members of the watch at Liverpool Coastguard who were on duty for the grounding on the MV Riverdance, presented in 2013.<ref>[http://www.seavoice-training.co.uk/news_more.asp?news_id=50&current_id=1 Chief Coastguard Commendation for Meritorious Service Liverpool HMRC] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002152603/http://www.seavoice-training.co.uk/news_more.asp?news_id=50&current_id=1 |date=2 October 2013 }}</ref>

==Salvage==
It had initially been hoped{{by whom|date=December 2016}} to recover the vessel and return her to service, but she was scrapped on site in 2008.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}}

===Preparation===
The coastguard monitored the ship, which was carrying 150 tonnes of fuel oil.<ref name=BBC3>
{{cite news
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7221463.stm
 | publisher = [[BBC Online]]
 | work = [[BBC News]]
 | title = Sea rescues amid stormy weather
 | access-date = 1 February 2008
 | date = 1 February 2008
}}
</ref> An attempt to refloat her was to have been made at high tide at 18:00 on 1 February, but it was later announced that no attempt would be made to refloat her that day.<ref name=BBC4>
{{cite news
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7221855.stm
 | publisher = [[BBC Online]]
 | work = [[BBC News]]
 | title = Operation to float stricken ferry
 | access-date = 1 February 2008
 | date = 1 February 2008
}}
</ref><ref name=Gaz/> A salvage team from [[Smit International]] assessed the ship on 2 February, and a {{convert|400|m|yd|adj=on}} exclusion zone was set up.<ref name=BBC5>
{{cite news
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7222479.stm
 | publisher = [[BBC Online]]
 | work = [[BBC News]]
 | title = Salvage bids assessed amid storms
 | access-date = 1 February 2008
 | date = 1 February 2008
}}
</ref><ref name=MCA2>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=6DF2D63370B231BC&m=2&y=2008 |publisher=Maritime & Coastguard Agency |title=SALVAGE MEETING HELD TO DISCUSS PLANS FOR RIVERDANCE REMOVAL |access-date=2 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081125063238/http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=6DF2D63370B231BC&m=2&y=2008 |archive-date=25 November 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref> Liverpool Coastguard warned that refloating the ship would take another two or three days, depending on weather and tide conditions,<ref name=BBC6>
{{cite news
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7223048.stm
 | publisher = [[BBC Online]]
 | work = [[BBC News]]
 | title = Bad weather hampers ferry salvage
 | access-date = 2 February 2008
 | date = 2 February 2008
}}
</ref> although another source stated the salvage operation could take weeks.<ref name=Gaz3>{{cite news | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Stricken-ferry-could-be-stranded.3737467.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Stricken ferry could be stranded "for weeks"| access-date = 2 February 2008}}</ref> It was estimated that refloating would take place in the second week of February, but this proved to be over optimistic.<ref name=BBC7>
{{cite news
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7223811.stm
 | publisher = [[BBC Online]]
 | work = [[BBC News]]
 | title = Ferry sheds thousands of biscuits
 | access-date = 2 February 2008
 | date = 2 February 2008
}}
</ref> The salvage team assembled the equipment needed to refloat the ship, including a [[Rigid-hulled inflatable boat|rigid inflatable boat]] suitable for use in shallow water. They planned to reduce the list of the ship and pump out the fuel on board. ''Riverdance'' was reported to be "intact".<ref name=BBC8>
{{cite news
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7224885.stm
 | publisher = [[BBC Online]]
 | work = [[BBC News]]
 | title = Ferry may be grounded for a week
 | access-date = 4 February 2008
 | date = 3 February 2008
}}
</ref><ref name=BBC9>
{{cite news
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7225572.stm
 | publisher = [[BBC Online]]
 | work = [[BBC News]]
 | title = New attempts to stabilise ferry
 | access-date = 4 February 2008
 | date = 4 February 2008
}}</ref>

It was reported that salvage teams had made "good progress" on 4 February. A crane travelled from York on 5 February and lifted equipment onto the ship. The salvage team aimed to reduce the list of the ship and make it more stable.<ref name=MCA3>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=2FB19F243A4C7ED8&m=2&y=2008 |publisher=Maritime & Coastguard Agency |title=SALVAGE OF STRANDED RO-RO FERRY MAKING GOOD PROGRESS |access-date=4 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081125062444/http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=2FB19F243A4C7ED8&m=2&y=2008 |archive-date=25 November 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref> On 4 February, around 50 members of the public ignored the exclusion zone to get close to the ship. Police and Coastguard admitted they were powerless to prevent the breach of the Government-imposed exclusion zone and vowed to step up security to prevent a recurrence.<ref name=Gaz7>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Sightseers-risk-lives-walking-under.3743121.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Sightseers risk lives walking under toppling ferry| access-date = 5 February 2008}}</ref> The imposition of the exclusion zone on grounds of public safety was proved to be correct when several trucks fell off on the afternoon of 5 February, caused by the ship moving at high tide.<ref name=Gaz8>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Trucks-slip-off-stricken-ferry.3747144.jp|publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Trucks slip off stricken ferry| access-date = 6 February 2008}}</ref> The exclusion zone was enforced on 6 February, with police, coastguard and security patrols being used.<ref name=MCA4>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-newsroom/mcga-press-releases.htm?id=5473AA8EC893B097&m=2&y=2008 |publisher=Maritime & Coastguard Agency |title=CRANE BEGINS LIFTING SALVAGE GEAR ONBOARD RIVERDANCE |access-date=7 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210084046/http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-newsroom/mcga-press-releases.htm?id=5473AA8EC893B097&m=2&y=2008 |archive-date=10 February 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref> More of the ship's cargo fell overboard on 6 February. It was reported on 7 February that the salvage operation was going well, and about half of the equipment required for the operation was aboard.<ref name=Gaz10>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Blackpool-ferry-Oil-spill-fears.3752837.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Blackpool ferry: Oil spill fears| access-date = 7 February 2008}}</ref> On 8 February, shackles holding the remaining trailers were released, allowing the vehicles on the top deck to fall overboard. The wreckage was cleared by a specialist demolition contractor.

The salvage team removed fuel from the ship by drilling a hole in the hull and pumping the fuel out. The process, known as "hot tapping", was expected to take up to a week.<ref name=Gaz11>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/39Stay-off-the-beach39-warning.3761577.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = 'Stay off the beach' warning| access-date = 11 February 2008}}</ref><ref name=Gaz12>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-Salvage-crews-start-drilling.3763497.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance: Salvage crews start drilling| access-date = 11 February 2008}}</ref><ref name=BBC11>
{{cite news
 | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7240061.stm
 | publisher = [[BBC Online]]
 | work = [[BBC News]]
 | title = Oil removed from stricken ferry
 | access-date = 11 February 2008
| date=11 February 2008
}}
</ref> A boom was placed around the ship, and defuelling commenced. 18 tonnes of fuel was removed on 11 February and 29 tonnes on 12 February.<ref name=Gaz13>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-Sightseers-kept-away.3770207.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance: Sightseers kept away| access-date = 14 February 2008}}</ref> Temporary repairs were made to the hull in preparation for refloating.<ref name=MCA5>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga-newsroom/mcga-press-releases.htm?id=CEEF16430F778D41&m=2&y=2008 |publisher=Maritime & Coastguard Agency |title=GOOD PROGRESS FOR RIVERDANCE SALVAGE |access-date=14 February 2008 }}{{dead link|date=January 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Sightseers continued to breach the exclusion zone, including two [[jet ski]]ers who approached the ship from the sea.<ref name=Gaz14>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Blackpool-ferry-Lives-at-risk.3775856.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Blackpool ferry: Lives at risk| access-date = 14 February 2008}}</ref> The refloating of the ship was scheduled to take place in the week commencing 18 February. Large crowds were expected to witness the event, which would have coincided with the half-term holiday.<ref name=Gaz15/> It was later estimated that the ship would not be refloated for at least another two weeks. All fuel was removed from the tanks, and work was done to ensure the hull was watertight and to reduce the list.<ref name=MCA6>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=DCF685B5470F1DF6&m=2&y=2008 |publisher=Maritime & Coastguard Agency |title=RIVERDANCE – UPDATE |access-date=20 February 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081125063441/http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=DCF685B5470F1DF6&m=2&y=2008 |archive-date=25 November 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref> Over the weekend of 23–24 February, the ship settled further onto its side, listing at 85 degrees. Officials had to prevent people from trying to board the ship.<ref name=Gaz16>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Gang-try-to-board-Riverdance.3811129.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Gang try to board Riverdance| access-date = 25 February 2008}}</ref> It was revealed that the operation to refloat the vessel could take weeks, although speculation that she would be cut up on site was denied by Smit International, who said they needed only  {{convert|8|m|abbr=on}} of water to refloat the ship.<ref name=Gaz17>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-refloat-will-take-weeks.3817773.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance refloat will take weeks – if at all| access-date = 28 February 2008}}</ref><ref name=Gaz18>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry-39can-be-righted39.3823736.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance ferry 'can be righted'| access-date = 28 February 2008}}</ref> A {{convert|40|ft|abbr=on}} diameter accommodation box fell from the ship between 24 and 27 February.<ref name=Gaz18/>

It was reported that Smit International still intended to refloat the ship. There was a two-week period ending 13 March in which to refloat the ship, with the refloating being most likely to take place towards the end of that period.<ref name=Gaz19>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry-will-not-be.3842426.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance ferry will not be cut up – salvors| access-date = 5 March 2008}}</ref> Efforts to salvage the ship were hampered by the weather and the position the ship was in.<ref name=BBC12>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7282854.stm| publisher = BBC News Online| title =  Weather hampers Riverdance move | access-date = 9 March 2008 | date=7 March 2008}}</ref> The plan was to put the ship on an even keel on 13 or 14 March, seven weeks after the grounding. However, storms with winds of {{convert|78|kn}} meant that plan was abandoned.<ref name=Gaz23/> Refloating was expected to take place about a week after the ship was righted.<ref name=Gaz21>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/New-date-for-Riverdance-ferry.3854217.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = New date for Riverdance ferry refloat| access-date = 9 March 2008}}</ref>

===Recovery attempts===
A trench was dug in the sand alongside the ship, which had been made watertight. Four 20-tonne containers were placed on the port side, and water was to be pumped from the starboard to port tanks in an effort to right the ship. No date was set for the operation, due to the strong winds at the time. Once the ship was righted, it was expected to take several weeks to refloat her.<ref name=Gaz22>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Plan-to-lift-Riverdance-ferry.3866792.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Plan to lift Riverdance ferry| access-date = 12 March 2008}}</ref> Attempts to right her were abandoned on 12 March after storms battered her with {{convert|78|kn|km/h|adj=on}} winds, causing her to sink further into the sand and the list to increase to 100 degrees. The salvage plan was re-evaluated early in the week commencing 17 March.<ref name=Gaz23>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Float-hopes-for-Riverdance-ferry.3881581.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Float hopes for Riverdance ferry| access-date = 15 March 2008}}</ref> Meanwhile, work continued to reduce the threat of pollution from the vessel and clearing up any wreckage that was deposited from the vessel.<ref name=MCA7>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=22B91720506FB342&m=3&y=2008 |publisher=Maritime & Coastguard Agency |title=NEW PLAN FOR RIVERDANCE REMOVAL TO BE PRESENTED NEXT WEEK |access-date=15 March 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081125062028/http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=22B91720506FB342&m=3&y=2008 |archive-date=25 November 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref> A meeting between the salvors, insurers and owners of the ship took place on 20 March to discuss options for salvage. One option considered was to scrap her on site.<ref name=Gaz24>{{cite web |url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry-Crisis-talks.3887270.jp |publisher = Blackpool Gazette |title = Riverdance ferry: Crisis talks |access-date=17 March 2008}}</ref> On 21 March 2008, it was revealed that she had been declared a "[[constructive total loss]]" due to further damage inflicted by the storms earlier in the month. The preferred option was to refloat her and remove her by sea, but she would be cut up on site if the refloating operation failed. The plan was to use mechanical winches to haul her upright, rather than relying upon flotation devices.<ref name=Gaz26>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-will-never-sail-again.3904317.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance will never sail again| access-date = 23 March 2008}}</ref>

On 10 April 2008, it was announced that attempts to refloat her had been abandoned and that she was to be scrapped ''[[in situ]]''. The contract to dismantle her was awarded to Hancock's Contractors, of [[Heysham]].<ref name=Gaz30>{{cite web |url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Final-death-knell-for-Riverdance.3970830.jp |publisher=Blackpool Gazette |title=Final death knell for Riverdance ferry |access-date=11 April 2008}}</ref> The work was expected to take about 12 to 14 weeks. One of the reasons for that decision was that ''Riverdance'' had suffered further structural damage during the storms on 12 March 2008.<ref name=MCA8>{{cite web |url=http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=BC833702665969CD&m=4&y=2008 |publisher=Maritime & Coastguard Agency |title=RO-RO RIVERDANCE TO BE DISMANTLED ON SITE |access-date=23 March 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081125100901/http://www.mcga.gov.uk/c4mca/mcga07-home/newsandpublications/press-releases.htm?id=BC833702665969CD&m=4&y=2008 |archive-date=25 November 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref> The damage included damaged propellers and engine, loss of a rudder, the [[Boat building#Parts|bulwarks]] destroyed on her starboard side, and a lifeboat destroyed.<ref name=Mersey>{{cite web |url=http://www.merseyshipping.co.uk/news/2008/02_2008/022008.htm |publisher=Mersey Shipping |title=SEATRUCK FERRIES |access-date=30 April 2008}}</ref>

===Scrapping===
The scrapping of ''Riverdance'' was carried out by Hancock's, with initial work to remove the remaining fuel, oil and cargo from the vessel.<ref name=Gaz30/> Hancock's took control of the site on 14 April 2008. Contractors inspected the [[MS Moondance|''Moondance'']], her sister ship, to get an idea of the general construction of the vessel. Dismantling plans included some night working, to the dismay of some local residents.<ref name=BBC13>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7347331.stm| publisher = BBC News Online| title = Dismantlers tackle stricken ferry | access-date = 21 April 2008 | date=14 April 2008}}</ref> Work commenced in the week beginning 29 April 2008, with an estimated completion date of "the end of June".<ref name=Gaz32>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry--gone-by.4029850.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance ferry – gone by June | access-date = 29 April 2008}}</ref> By early May the work was underway, with the removal of handrails and the funnel to enable easier access to the interior. The initial phase of the demolition was expected to take four or five weeks.<ref name=Gaz33>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Riverdance-ferry-Cargo-removed.4055772.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Riverdance ferry: Cargo removed| access-date = 7 May 2008}}</ref> On 17 May 2008, a fire broke out on two lorries at about 4:20am, causing 30 workers to be evacuated from the vessel. The local fire brigade attended with five appliances and a mobile fire station, but withdrew shortly after due to the rising tide, leaving the fire to burn itself out.<ref name=Gaz35>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/Fire-drama-on-Riverdance-ferry.4094398.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Fire drama on Riverdance ferry| access-date = 24 May 2008}}</ref><ref name=Gaz36>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/1124/Firefighters-tackle-Riverdance-blaze.4094877.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Firefighters tackle Riverdance blaze| access-date = 24 May 2008}}</ref> The scrapping resumed on 19 May 2008<ref name=Gaz37>{{cite web | url = http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Crew-back-on-board-Riverdance.4096272.jp| publisher = Blackpool Gazette| title = Crew back on board Riverdance after blaze| access-date = 24 May 2008}}</ref> with the wreck reduced to the level of the beach by 10 October 2008.<ref name=BBC14>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/7662898.stm| publisher = BBC News Online| title = Removal hopes over stricken ferry | access-date = 27 January 2009 | date=10 October 2008}}</ref>

==Investigation==
The [[Marine Accident Investigation Branch]] conducted an enquiry into the incident, and the final report was published on 3 September 2009.<ref name=MAIB>{{cite web|url=http://www.maib.gov.uk/cms_resources.cfm?file=/RiverdanceReport.pdf |title=Report on the investigation into the grounding, and subsequent loss, of the ro-ro cargo vessel Riverdance, Shell Flats – Cleveleys Beach, Lancashire 31 January 2008 |publisher=Marine Accident Investigation Branch |access-date=7 September 2009}}</ref>

==Culture and media==
''Riverdance'' featured in the video for the song ''Explosion'' by the German band [[Fotos]].<ref name=Gaz38>{{cite web|url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/New-role-for-Riverdance-ferry.4032917.jp|title=New role for Riverdance ferry|publisher=Blackpool Gazette|access-date=21 July 2008}}</ref>

'Riverdance' appears in the 2006 film 'Ghosts', directed by Nick Broomfield, based on the [[2004 Morecambe Bay cockling disaster]]. Chinese immigrant Ai Qin is smuggled from Calais to Dover hidden inside a van aboard the ship.

The salvage operation was the subject of an episode of ''Salvage: Code Red'', a [[National Geographic Channel]] documentary series.

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
*[https://www.visitcleveleys.co.uk/about/history/riverdance-shipwreck Visit Cleveleys] Story and photos.
*[http://www.fortunes-de-mer.com/rubriques/liens%20et%20contacts/detailsactualites/Riverdance%202008.htm Fortunes de Mer] Webpage dedicated to this casualty.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080204142518/http://uk.news.yahoo.com/pressass/20080131/tuk-bid-to-rescue-stranded-ferry-crew-6323e80_5.html Yahoo] news report
*[http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/mashala_1977.htm M/S Mashala] in Swedish.
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7221453.stm BBC News] Image gallery
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20110723002525/http://www.adventuretwo.net/stories/at-the-mercy-of-poseidon Exploring the wreck] Photos and story
*[http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/blackpoolnews/Rescue-crews-tell-of-sea.3735063.jp Blackpool Gazette] – rescue crews story
*[http://www2.blackpooltoday.co.uk/gallery_rd_ferry/ Gallery]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Blackpool Gazette pictures
*[https://www.bbc.co.uk/lancashire/content/image_galleries/brett_liz_drive_gallery.shtml BBC Lancashire] Photos of stranded ship.
*[http://www.miramarshipindex.org.nz/ship/list?search_op=OR&IDNo=7635361 Miramar Ship Index: ''Riverdance'']
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080301143149/http://www2.blackpooltoday.co.uk/shipwreck/ Blackpool Gazette] Shipwreck feature.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080223113732/http://www2.blackpooltoday.co.uk/gallery_rd_fer/ Blackpool Gazette] Photo gallery.
*[http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/showthread.php?s=e276bbfd34de56a9be24583030c83bd8&t=16426 Ships Nostalgia] thread about the ''Riverdnce''
*[http://trampics.fotopic.net/p49833494.html Riverdance]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, 17 April 2008.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070322155553/http://exchange.dnv.com/exchange/main.aspx?extool=vessel&subview=overview&vesselid=20268 complete ship details]

{{Seatruck Ships}}
{{2008 shipwrecks}}
{{Blackpool culture}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Riverdance}}
[[Category:Ship groundings]]
[[Category:Ships of Seatruck Ferries]]
[[Category:Shipwrecks in the Irish Sea]]
[[Category:Maritime incidents in 2008]]
[[Category:Ferries of England]]
[[Category:History of Blackpool]]
[[Category:2008 in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Merchant ships of the Bahamas]]
[[Category:1977 ships]]
[[Category:Ships built in Bremen (state)]]