Former Bond girl sails into Manchester on restored royal tugboat

A tug boat with royal credentials owned by a Hollywood actress, has sailed into Salford Quays.

The Golden Cross belongs to Suzie Wong, who starred in the 1974 James Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun, plus The Killing Fields, and Full Metal Jacket.

She saved the ship from being scrapped in 1996 and it is now crewed by volunteers from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and HM Coastguard - reports Manchester Online.

It was in the city at the weekend on its 50th anniversary tour to promote the work of the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue service.

Suzie said: "My little tug boat might not be the most important example of maritime heritage but at least she is one historic Clyde-built ship that has now been saved for future generations.

"But what is more important, it continues to be useful by promoting the rescue services provided by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy while encouraging people to be more aware of simple precautions they can take to make their leisure time on water much safer."

The Golden Cross was first in service in the early 1950s and was one of the tugs used to assist the royal yacht Britannia on her first departure from a British port with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on board.

It was then invited to go back to assist her farewell voyage from to Portsmouth.

Through work with the sea rescue services, Suzie can operate her ship under the Royal Air Force Ensign for the next nine years under the command of Captain Stuart White.

The ship's visit comes after the luxury Hebridean Princess became the first passenger vessel to make the 35-mile trip up the Manchester Ship Canal to the Quays two weeks ago.

Thanks to `Kyvan` for the alert.

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