Hello folks, I visited the derelict PS Ryde on a mudflat on the
river Medina on the Isle of Wight 17th August and though intact, the
hull is in a very poor state. Whilst there I had a pint in the Marina
bar, and the scuttlebutt amongst the locals is that negotiations are
under way to sign her over to the Paddle steamer Preservation Society
as the present owner has to remove her or scrap her at a cost to him
of 50,000 pounds! PSPS will temporarily plate her to make her
watertight and remove her for restoration. I saw the engines which
although rusty, look to be intact and in good condition. I hope these
(strong) rumours are true! Walter Snowdon