Scillonian III sails on its final trip after nearly five decades

The Guardian reported that the beloved Scillonian III set off on its last voyage, ending almost 50 years of service between the British mainland and the Isles of Scilly. The passenger ship, nicknamed the “vomit comet” because it tended to rock in stormy weather, has been a fixture on the Atlantic route linking the islands with Cornwall.

Tears were shed, sea shanties sung and tales of stormy voyages exchanged, the outlet noted, as crew and passengers marked the occasion. The vessel’s final departure closes a chapter for a ship that has chugged between the islands and the mainland for just shy of half a century.

The farewell reflects the end of a long‑standing maritime link that has been part of the region’s daily life and cultural memory.

Why it matters

The retirement ends a half‑century of regular service that connected the Isles of Scilly with the mainland, marking the loss of a cherished local icon.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

8 Nov 2026, 19:42 IST

Key names

Scillonian III, Isles of Scilly, Atlantic, Cornish

Section

Sports

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The Guardian‘The end of an era’: Scillonian III sets sail on final voyage from Isles of Scilly 8 Nov, 19:42

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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