Due to be broadcast during Liverpool's 800th anniversary in 2007 and European Capital of Culture year 2008, the show would have given national publicity to the city.

But the ship now lies in tatters after a gang, which police say had expertise in engineering, illegally boarded Manxman currently berthed at Pallion shipyard, on the River Wear, at Sunderland.

They ripped out important valves and pipework, allowing water to flood her engine room. '

Last night Pallion Engineering, agents for Manxman's owners Wavepower Navigation Corp, said the company was unwilling to wait any longer for fund-raisers to buy the ship.

A Pallion Engineering spokesman said it has been forced to recognise the ship presents an "increasing hazard" to safety and has reluctantly taken steps for her to be scrapped.

Channel 4 chose Manxman, built by Cammell Laird in Birkenhead, in 1955, after discarding 20 other vessels in a nationwide search for a suitable key ship.

The documentary, commissioned by Channel 4 from leading independent producers IWC, had already formally proposed to show Manxman being restored to full working order. Wirral Borough Council had pledged use of Laird's former No 4 drydock, but the documentary's progress stalled when Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce pointedly ignored pleas from the Manxman Steamship Company charitable Trust to help find funds to pump-prime the project.

Liverpool Culture Company, in charge of European Capital of Culture events, gave its support but says it is unable to help financially.

Without this crucial local cash commitment to the project, Channel 4 and IWC are unable to access Heritage Lottery Funding and other grant revenues for the project.

This is all despite the World Heritage Site assessor criticising the city, whose Unesco status is based on its maritime past, for having no major ship exhibit.

After restoration, Manxman Steamship Co intended to run the ship as a conference, education and training centre, also available for events such as weddings.

"During summer it was hoped to steam her for excursion work from

Liverpool, acting as a floating ambassadress for the city in 2007-8 and afterward," says Bill Ogle, Manxman Steamship chairman.

Manxman is the last surviving large passenger ship built at Cammell Laird and also one of the last major merchant ships whose service made Liverpool

second city of the British Empire. - '

Built to a 1930s design, the ship's wood-panelled interiors and brass fittings epitomise the pre-plastic, car ferry era of cross channel travel.

Mr Ogle last night blamed local authorities for the failure of the project.

He said: "It has proved increasingly difficult to continue because of a lack of financial funding from key regional authorities. "This ship is a genuine international maritime asset and tourism magnet which belongs on Merseyside."

Daily Post Editorial - May 01, 2005

IT IS sad news to hear today that Liverpool's last traditional Isle of Man steamer, the SS Manxman, could be scrapped. It is even sadder, and infuriating, to learn that the blame for this sorry state of affairs lies with thieves who attacked the vessel at its berth in Sunderland.

The damage is so serious that it could mean the death of the Cammell Laird-built ship, despite plans for it to star in a £10m prime-time documentary on Channel 4 and become a floating ambassador for the city.

This latest, and possibly fatal, blow to the steamer's fortunes is simply the latest in a long line of misfortunes to have hit the Manxman since being chosen by Channel 4 to star in its Big Boat series, after 20 other vessels were rejected in a nationwide search for a suitable key ship. In particular, the failure to secure financial help from Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce or Liverpool Culture Company seriously hampered the progress of the project.

Without this crucial local cash commitment, Channel 4 and independent producers IWC were unable to access Heritage Lottery Funding for the project.

This was a short-sighted move by the regional authorities, particularly as the city would have gained priceless national TV coverage during its 800th anniversary next year, and European Capital of Culture in 2008. The restored vessel would also have been used as a conference centre, while also being available for hire as a venue for weddings.

The loss of the Manxman is another major blow to Liverpool's maritime heritage, despite its status as a World Heritage Site site being based on its close links with the sea. It also leaves the city with no major ship exhibit, something which was criticised by the World Heritage Site assessor.

Even at this late stage, it would be great if a "white knight" would come along with a rescue package to save this historic vessel from the scrapyard and continue Liverpool's fine maritime heritage.

For more information, please contact the Manxman Steamship company or email chrisbrindle@maritimebritain.org.uk