On Nov 8, 2026, the 'Scillonian III' made its final sailing between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly after 49 years of service with more than 480 passengers on board. The ferry left St Mary's at 2:00 p.m.for the last time as part of a farewell day organised by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group. Just before the departure from St Mary's, a ceremony was held on board to seal a time capsule containing memories and mementos linked to the vessel's history. The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group had already received contributions including photographs, memorabilia, artwork and keepsakes from people who had been part of the ship's story over the years. As dusk fell, the vessel was escorted into Penzance by a flotilla of Cornish pilot gigs, kayaks and pleasure cruisers. Hundreds of people lined the harbour walls. When it docked, the Cape Cornwall Singers – Penkernow Canoryon in Cornish – welcomed it with a rousing version of Harry’s Song for Cornwall. The replacement vessel 'Scillonian IV', which can carry 600 passengers, has departed the shipyard in Vietnam, where it was built to be delivered to the UK. Reports with photos: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/nov/08/scillonian-iii-ship-final-voyage-isles-of-scilly-penzance-cornwall https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ck86z8q8952qo
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ST22 PEKE SENIOR
On Nov 2, 2026, two more cutters were hoisted out in Kampen to be scrapped, one of which was the 'ST-22 Peke Senior'. Hailing from the town of Stavoren, this vessel was 26 years old, when the owner decided to proceed with the scrapping. Previously, the 'ST-27'—also from the same town—was scrapped, leaving Stavoren with only four shrimp cutters remaining. The 'ST-22 Peke Senior' made its final fishing voyage in 2025. Over the past few months, the vessel had been moored in the harbor of Stavoren, where it could even be admired during the town’s "Fishery Days." It was also taken out for a trip the past summer, while the owner was on holiday in Friesland. However, in early October, the cutter was sailed to Kampen. A month after its arrival, it was towed to the crane; the foremast was cut in two, and the vessel was then hoisted up and moved toward its final resting place.
