The fire that destroyed QE

S

Stuart Kelly

Member
Hi,

Here's the updated link to the photos I think Jim Kalafus was talking about on another thread:

http://www.cruiseserver.net/travelpage/ships/cu_qe.asp

I don't think any ship enthusiast can view the photos on that page without a deep sense of sadness. The photos themselves are remarkably clear and good quality for 1972 and they graphically illustrate what a beautiful ship the Queen Elizabeth was. It occurred to me that her destruction by fire was criminal even if it was an accident.

I wonder if anyone was brough to book for negligence, fraud or arson in relation to the Queen Elizabeth. Does anyone have the findings of the Hong Kong authorities investigation into the matter? I'm thinking of buying a copy of the accident report from the THS.
 
Oh what a terrible fate for such a grand ship! Stuart, I appreciate this link, but for sentimental reasons which I hope you will understand, I wish I'd never seen the photos or read about her becoming part of the foundation for the runway at Hong Kong International Airport. I was very young when I saw her in Fort Lauderdale, and awestruck by her beauty even though I never got to see but the starboard side of her. It's crushing to the inner child to see her in flames.

Kyrila
 
Stuart, you might want to go ahead and get that accident report. I've never heard of the arson angle myself, but in Hong Kong, one never really knows. My own bet would be on the negligence/carelessness angle. It's not as if this would be the first time that carelessness with a cutting or welding torch has killed a ship. (Normandie anyone?)
 
Having lived in Hong Kong for 2 years, I can assure you that arson is highly probable if the new owner, C.Y. Tung had any business or personal enemies.

I wouldn't rule out the negligence/carelessness angle though.

Any one knows about the burnt British flag that was retrieved from the burning ship? I remember seeing a picture of it from a book in a Hong Kong bookshop but have never heard it elsewhere.
 
>><snort> I'd be surprised if C.Y. Tung didn't have enemies! It seems to go with the territory when you build up a fortune.<<

Especially in Hong Kong. If you have lived there, you won't believe how bad it is. LOL

(If you ever have a chance to watch a Hong Kong drama serial, its pretty much like it, minus the love stories)
 
>>Especially in Hong Kong. If you have lived there, you won't believe how bad it is. LOL<<

Oh yes I would! I was a Pacific Fleet sailor for most of my career in the Navy. While I can hardly get the same understanding of those who live with it every day, I can well appriciate the fact that there are parties there who play some really dirty pool!

I've been to Hong Kong several times. Great shopping there, but one is wise to watch one's back!!!
 
>>While I can hardly get the same understanding of those who live with it every day<<

Can you imagine my experience during the 2 years?
grin.gif


Hong Kong - much more to see and do than Singapore, but much more dangerous!
 
>>Can you imagine my experience during the 2 years?<<

Mmmmmm...I'd rather not. I'm not so sure I'd say that there was more to see and do there then in Singapore. I rather liked the place myself.
 
There was a news report shortly after the fire and capsizing, that arson was committed by "agents" of what we then called "Red China". Who knows if it was ignorant propaganda? At anyrate, the PRC bought the hulk and salvaged it for the steel, iirc. The fires broke out in the bow, stern, and center of the ship, on several levels at the same time. This was no accident. Tung bought an ex American Export Lines liner and converted it into his school ship. Maybe losing her to fire was better than seeing her tied up derelict, waiting for a useful third career.
I doubt any portion of her steel remains on the floor of H.K. Harbor, except for small pieces dropped in the breaking up.
 
>>Who knows if it was ignorant propaganda?<<

I don't suppose there's really any way of knowing unless somebody was willing to stand up and take "The Credit" for it. Did the reporter who published that story die of natural causes or did he "Mysteriously disappear" one dark and stormy night? That might tell quite a bit as the organized crime cartels over there don't take to kindly to those who talk too much and know too much.

Like La Cosa Nostra, they have some very permanent cures for that sort of thing.
 
It was probably arson and had this not happened, how long do you think the Queen Elizabeth would have remained in service for her new owners.
 

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