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QE2 Runs Aground on Last Trip

Legendary liner, headed to become floating Dubai hotel, hits sandbar off UK

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 11, 2008 2:04 PM CST

(Newser) – The Queen Elizabeth 2, one of the most famous cruise ships in the world, endured an inglorious UK homecoming today, running aground as it approached its home port of Southampton for the last time. Five tugboats had to haul the 70,000-ton liner off the sandbank; it still docked in time for a farewell from the Duke of Edinburgh, the Daily Express reports.

Crews are currently checking for damage to the ship, which is headed to become a hotel in Dubai. “She didn't want to come in,” said one pensioner on her 10th QE2 voyage. “That’s the opinion of quite a few of us on board. She doesn't want to go to Dubai and we don’t want her to go.”

The QE2 prepares to set sail from Belfast Port, Northern Ireland, Oct. 4, 2008. (AP Photo)

The Queen Elizabeth 2 (foreground) And Queen Mary 2 are seen in this file photo. (PRNewsFoto)

The Queen Elizabeth 2 pulls out of a pier after its final visit to New York, Oct. 16, 2008. (AP Photo)

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

shipwreck • Dubai • QE2 • cruise ships • cruise lines

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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2 Fla. Cruise Ships Stricken by Norovirus

Princess Cruises announces outbreak on Crown Princess, Ruby Princess

Italy Calls Off Search for Cruise Victims

16 still listed as missing, but conditions too dangerous

Costa Concordia Wreck Will Take Months to Remove

Locals worried about cruise ship's environmental impact

Costa Survivors to Get $14K Each

16th body found in cruise ship disaster

Cruise Ship Runs Aground, 3 Bodies Found

Luxury liner shipwrecked off coast of Italy

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Newser By Users

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