Glasgow asked to help SS Karim

Evening News

THE owner of the oldest passenger boat on the River Nile have turned to Glasgow with a desperate plea for help.

Each week, the SS Karim takes tourists on the romantic trip through Egypt between Luxor and Aswan.

But the historic 15 cabin paddle steamer was actually built nearly 100 years ago by Govan shipbuilders Hugh McLean.

She was originally owned by King Fuad then inherited by King Farouk, the second last king of Egypt and Sudan, before being passed to presidents Nassar and Sadat.

However, the living museum of brass, teak and Art Deco glass is now beginning to show her age.

In desperation, owner Spring Tours Egypt contacted Glasgow City Council asking for "urgent assistance".

Company manager Morsi Shehata said: "We are proud of this boat and have always been trying to keep its original engines running for as long as possible for generations to enjoy.

"The reason we are contacting you is that we do need some spare parts for the boat engines which was built in 1917.

"As the boat was built in your wonderful city, we do seek your advice and assistance on any way you could help or provide us with information which could lead us to keep the sailing museum going for many years to come."

The SS Karim is powered only by the original steam engine and stern quarter-wheel paddles and its owners advertise it as "the oldest, slowest and smallest" passenger boat on the Nile.

A council spokesman said it would be delighted to help the company preserve a piece of Clyde maritime history.