Rumours surrounding the fate of the QE2, the much loved Queen Elizabeth II liner, are false, according to her former owner, Cunard.
Reports began circulating on Monday evening that the ship, which has been moored in Dubai since 2008, after making its final voyage from the UK, is to be sold to China for scrap, for an undetermined price.
Some reports had stated the ship was originally due to be turned into a luxurious 1,000-room hotel. However, earlier this year, Istithmar, the investment arm of DP World, which bought the liner in 2007, announced she was to be converted into a 300-room hotel.
"We have noted the messages of understandable concern with regards to the recent article in the Daily Mail with reference to QE2," said the message posted on Cunard's Facebook page.
"We remain in close contact with Dubai and can reassure you that to the very best of our knowledge this story is pure speculation - one of a number of stories and rumours as we have seen over recent months. Our best advice would be to ignore the story."
Fans of the ship, whose maiden voyage was in 1967, from the John Brown shipyard on the River Clyde in Scotland, were vocal in their disdain.
"Sad for such an iconic ship," said one Facebook user.
"Please save QE2 and don't let her be sold for scrap - the most iconic liner ever built!!," said another unhappy fan, who made her comment on the liner's Facebook page. "Many happy memories, including my honeymoon, on board!," she continued.
[ zalhassani@thenational.ae ]
