Poll - Were they right to remove QE2's Lifeboat Davits?

[June Ingram]

Very well said, Pete !

[June Ingram]

After reading this article, I am not sure why the lifeboats and davits have been removed.  Are "they" starting dismantling right now ?

http://gulfbusiness.com/dubai-world-unit-istithmar-cut-staff-report/

[Rob Lightbody]

After reading this article, I am not sure why the lifeboats and davits have been removed.  Are "they" starting dismantling right now ?

http://gulfbusiness.com/dubai-world-unit-istithmar-cut-staff-report/

Hi,  As far as I'm aware, Istithmar has had absolutely nothing to do with QE2 since the end of 2012. She was taken out of their hands, literally.

I am aware of the name of the company that is now in charge of her, and all their main people, but am not at liberty to put that information here.

I have nothing but good to say about how QE2 was handled under Istithmar, and believe me they were under a lot of pressure.

[June Ingram]

Thanks, Rob, for your message; much appreciated !

[cunardqueen]

   After reading this article, I am not sure why the lifeboats and davits have been removed.  Are "they" starting dismantling right now ?   

If they are, and given how those in Dubai treat the matter, we will be the last to know
However given how "they" are cutting back on staff why on earth go to the trouble of dismantling the lifeboats etc

I am aware of the name of the company that is now in charge of her, and all their main people, but am not at liberty to put that information here.
   

No need to keep it a secret Rob The name of the Company is already known.....

[Rob Lightbody]

No need to keep it a secret Rob The name of the Company is already known.....

Good!  Feel free to email them and ask them what they're up to!!

[Rob Lightbody]

Incidentally, I spoke to John 'QE2 London' about the davits removal and he actually agreed that it would make the boat deck fabulous. He could see their point.

[cunardqueen]

   I am aware of the name of the company that is now in charge of her, and all their main people, but am not at liberty to put that information here. 

I believe the company is called.." wedontknowwhatwearedoing .com 

[John Drew]

Hello Rosie,

In reply to your question, no I did not take control of the boats as regards sailing them with passengers onboard, that was for the deck crew or coxswains. I did at times take control while out on the water for a test runs, ( looking for problems sometimes you have to operate the boats engines etc yourself) the main problems were rebuilding gearboxes, blocked water strainers, water leaks from the engines causing overheating or worst still electrical faults like starters and alternators. The worst / funniest incident that I recall was when we could only use the boats on one side due to the rough or choppy water, they lowered an auxiliary launch sent it to the forward gangway and loaded it up with passengers when I got a radio call that the engine had cut out and would not start. I went down to look climbed past the passengers to the engine area lifted the cover and the boat was full of water or it was sinking, I could see that the deck crew had not put the two bilge drain plugs back in. I got back off up the gangway told the mate or Deck Officer in charge that they had better get everyone of ASAP which he did. We ended up towing it back to the davits and lifted it up enough to drain the water put the plugs back in then lowered away and it went back in service no problem. John.

[Twynkle]

Hello Rosie,

In reply to your question, no I did not take control of the boats as regards sailing them with passengers onboard, that was for the deck crew or coxswains. I did at times take control while out on the water for a test runs, ( looking for problems sometimes you have to operate the boats engines etc yourself) the main problems were rebuilding gearboxes, blocked water strainers, water leaks from the engines causing overheating or worst still electrical faults like starters and alternators. The worst / funniest incident that I recall was when we could only use the boats on one side due to the rough or choppy water, they lowered an auxiliary launch sent it to the forward gangway and loaded it up with passengers when I got a radio call that the engine had cut out and would not start. I went down to look climbed past the passengers to the engine area lifted the cover and the boat was full of water or it was sinking, I could see that the deck crew had not put the two bilge drain plugs back in. I got back off up the gangway told the mate or Deck Officer in charge that they had better get everyone of ASAP which he did. We ended up towing it back to the davits and lifted it up enough to drain the water put the plugs back in then lowered away and it went back in service no problem. John.

Hello John - And Thank You so much!
This little event must have made for an interesting de-brief!
Just wondering now what might have happened had you not been called / or already ashore for precious few hours leave etc...Curious things to over-look - bilge plugs!
As well as travelling in them, very many of us all absolutely loved both watching the Lifeboats both being lowered, hoisted as well as afloat and at work from above and afar - the best thing of all was to spend the time (when QE2 was at anchor) making non-stop return trips on them - (yes, the deck Officer i/c on the gangway realised he'd got a nutter when permission to stay on was requested by yours truly) - those flappy 'windows, the magnificent sea-spray as well as the bumping about, the terrible fumes - I'd have paid extra had this been a requirement!
I remember once learning that Anchor Days weren't the flavour of the month for some (Officers, Crew etc) - and always felt just a tad guilty enjoying them so much!
All the best - and many hopes that it's not incredibly hard to know what's happening to QE2 (as your home) now
Rosie