Steamer grounded after pier crash

The paddle steamer has been grounded after striking Dunoon pier

The Waverley paddle steamer has been taken out of service after striking Dunoon Pier on the Clyde.

Clyde Coastguard said both the steamer and the pier were damaged in the incident on Friday.

The vessel is understood to have had about 700 passengers on board at the time, most of whom were elderly.

The trip marked the beginning of the 2009 summer season for the paddle steamer. An assessment of the damage to the ship is continuing.

A note on the Waverley Excursions website said the vessel had "landed heavily" while berthing at Dunoon.

It added: "There was passengers on board, 12 of whom sustained very minor injuries, which were attended to by a doctor.

"The ship has returned to her berth in Glasgow."

A Jazz cruise, due to take place on Friday evening, has been postponed while assessments are made of the damage to the ship.

The continued closure of Largs pier has led to fears about the vessel's future.

The ship, which carries thousands of passengers to the Ayrshire town each year, is the the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world.