Resurgam model returns

By Lorna Hughes on Jan 26, 10 01:57 PM

I LIKE a story with a happy ending.

In March 2008 I wrote about the sad state of Wirral's tribute to the world's first powered submarine, Resurgam.

The full-scale replica of Resurgam, an early prototype submarine, was built by Cammell Laird engineering apprentices in the mid-1990s and put on display on a former floating roadway at Woodside.

But the model became the target of vandals, while the wooden cladding on the steel structure broke off.

Rhyl Council expressed an interest in giving the replica a new home at a compass point close to the wreck of the original Resurgam but Wirral Council was adamant it should remain in Wirral.

Six months later, there was some good news when the 10-ton structure was taken to Birkenhead's Maritime and Engineering College - formerly the Laird Foundation - to be refurbished by students.

Now Resurgam is finally coming home and has moved location in a bid to attract more visitors.

Neil Scales of Merseytravel, which owns the model, said:"She's looking as good as new and I know she'll prove to be a popular addition to the U-Boat Story attraction.

"We've also repositioned Resurgam so she is now displayed more prominently for visitors."

The original Resurgam was built in Birkenhead in 1879 by Cochran and Co.

Regarded by many as the world's first proper submarine, Resurgam - which means "I will rise again" - was designed and built in Birkenhead by Victorian inventor, the Rev George Garret.

The steam-powered vessel sank was taken to Rhyl for repairs on its prop in 1879 but sank on its maiden voyage the following February.

After years of speculation over its location, it was found six-miles offshore in 1995.