A SOUTHAMPTON-based sailing ship crashed after a misunderstanding over the opening of Tower Bridge in London.
The Lord Nelson avoided serious damage when it struck one of the buttresses on the River Thames at the weekend.
The Jubilee Sailing Trust, which operates the three-masted vessel, said it had arranged for the bridge to open, but authorities denied passage had been booked.
A lifeboat and a Port of London Authority launch helped to steady the boat and stop it being damaged against the bridge. Then a tug hauled it clear.
The 49 people on the ship put on lifejackets but no one was hurt.
A spokesman for the Department for Transport said the Marine Accident Investigation Branch would investigate.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article