A team of experts from Queen’s University in Belfast has now completed a 3D survey of famous Donegal shipwreck, Bád Eddie.
The boat has been rotting away on Magheraclogher Beach in Gaoth Dobhair since it was first towed there for repairs in 1977.
There have been many attempts and campaigns to restore the boat to its former glory.
Over the years it has become a tourist attraction and even featured in Clannad’s video to accompany the song ‘In A Lifetime’ with U2 singer Bono.
However, it now appears that the boat will be given new life through a lifelike copy.
The researchers from Queens are now hoping to have a 3D image of the boat completed in the coming days.
After that, it is hoped that a new boat could be constructed.
The researchers started work yesterday and finished today around 2pm after they were delayed with high tides.
A Go Fund Me page started recently by a local committee has now raised more than €11,500 of a €15,000 target to build a new structure.
A spokesperson for the fundraising committee said “Thousands enjoy Bád Eddie when they visit Gweedore and we as a committee would like your support to preserve what is left of her and to design a structure that will combine the bones of what is left of the boat with a replica structure designed to be a permanent fixture on the beach in Bunbeg.
“We would like to raise money to protect the image of what is the focal point of our parish and the money raised will give a good start to the project.”
If you would like to donate to the rebuilding of Bad Eddie please go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/bad-eddie
All pictures courtesy of Aodh Mairtin O Fearraigh.
