Shields Ferry launch strikes chord overseas

A TIMELAPSE video of the Shields Ferry has made ripples across the Atlantic and has even led to a personalised gift from America.

- By EMILY GRAY

All the way from America! UK Docks yard manager, Ian Paolozzi, receives his tribute from Seattle from UK Docks director, Gary Wilson and Kevin Leonard, Customer Services Operations Manager at Nexus

A sped-up relaunch of the Pride of the Tyne into the river from UK Docks' South Shields slipway in the wake of repairs and maintenance, struck a chord with a group of ferry enthusiasts almost 5,000 miles away in Seattle.

The group were so impressed by the care and attention of Yard Manager Ian Paolozzi in the foreground, as he coordinated the relaunch of the vessel ensuring it went back into the water as smoothly and safely as possible, that they even created a sketch tribute to celebrate his work.