Final chapter in Astrid’s history draws to a close

She once cut a magnificent figure, plying the seas under billowing full sail. But the final chapter in almost a century of rich maritime history is finally drawing to a close.

Specialist contractors working on the scrappage of the 95-year-old sail training vessel, the Astrid, have almost broken down the entire hull of the once proud Dutch tall ship.

The team from Wexford-based Molloy Metal and Recycling Ltd is expected to continue work on the wreck, which is lashed to a salvage barge on Lobster Quay in Kinsale, Co Cork, for at least another week.