Historic ship avoids scrapyard

In a dramatic, last-minute rescue, a historic passenger ship built before the Titanic has been saved from the scrapyard and is set to be transformed into a national maritime museum.

The future for the 122-year-old Laho looked bleak after its owner, Viko Kveder, announced in November he could no longer cover the rising maintenance and crew costs, necessitating the decision to scrap the ageing vessel, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

However, prominent local entrepreneur Gašpar Gašpar Mišič intervened, purchasing the ship on 21 November, just before it was slated for scrapping in the Pula shipyard where it had already been delivered.

A floating symbol

The long history of the Laho - its name an abbreviation for Last Hope - is a testament to its resilience. The 37-meter ship survived both World Wars, serving at various points as a cargo vessel, a mine-layer, and a high-seas fishing trawler.

For the last 33 years, it served the Slovenian coast, becoming an fixture by connecting coastal towns and hosting events, from weddings and celebrations to family trips.

Gašpar Gašpar Mišič declared the rescue a "victory for the entire Slovenia," emphasizing the vessel's profound symbolic importance.

"When I took over the company and the ship, I took over the responsibility for preserving the last material symbol of Slovenian maritime identity," Mišič explained.

"Slovenia has its Aljaž Tower on Mount Triglav and now it also has its symbol on the sea. The Laho is not just a metal hull; it is the living story of Slovenian seafarers, fishermen, and coastal life."

The future as a museum

The plan is to transform the Laho into a central cultural and educational hub in Koper harbour. The conservation solution involves minimal intervention, primarily reinforcing the submerged section of the hull and embedding it to ensure the long-term preservation of its original riveted construction.

The ship will house a museum dedicated to maritime and fishing heritage, showcase the maritime history of the city and serving as an educational centre for the Faculty of Maritime Studies and maritime schools.

The decision has received broad political support. The mayors of the coastal municipalities of Koper, Izola, Piran and Ankaran have released a joint statement welcoming Mišič's action and committing to securing a suitable, accessible, and sustainably maintained location for the ship's permanent home.

"The Laho is not just a vessel with a history of more than a century, it is a priceless part of Slovenia's maritime heritage and a treasury of valuable memories. Even though it started its life in north Europe, it has found its true home in our seas," they said.

Agriculture Minister Mateja Čalušić, who comes from the cost, has pledged funding toward the establishment of the fishing museum within the vessel, underlining the project's strategic national importance.

Photo: Facebook page of the ship's owner