'The Boat' Derelict Ryde Queen paddle steamer Isle of Wight Coast

Even the greatest Queen has to eventually give up her throne. The now derelict Ryde Queen Paddle Steamer lies abandoned to the elements at Island Harbour, Binfield, Isle of Wight. From a passenger ferry to a Mine Sweeper and even a Night Club she has certainly had a long and varied reign. Built for the Southern Railway Company originally named PS Ryde for the ferry service between Portsmouth and Ryde on the Isle of Wight. During the Second World War she served as a minesweeper. In 1942 she was converted into an anti-aircraft vessel and took part in the Normandy Landings in June 1944. She returned to passenger service in 1945 until being withdrawn from service in 1970. In 1980 she began her final role as a nightclub which lasted until 1989 when she fully retired and began her demise rusting away into the mud of the river Medina.