Cruise Ship QE2 Runs Aground
Thousands Lost As Ship Splits Apart In Frigid Seas
This is the headline the media wanted to use in this story. Fortunately, it is not true so they had to settle for something a bit less dramatic, "Ocean Liner Queen Elizabeth 2 Runs Aground" Not quite as sensational as the visual of people thrashing around in a black sea but enough to make you read further. Those who do so will be happy to learn that the passengers, crew and ship reached port safely. But for those who read only the headlines – all it takes is just one insecure, headline skimmer looking to be the first to bring the bad news, thereby drawing attention to themselves with a story that is based on half truth. Usually about the second paragraph they get to boring part of the story, no lives lost, no damage – yawn!
Admit it! Didn't my headline want you to read the rest of the story? What if the headline was "QE2 Drifts Into Shallow Sand Bar While Entering Southhampton Port – No Injuries To Passengers Or Crew Reported," would you still read the story?
Here are the facts:
Yes, the ship did briefly run aground on a sand bar, but with the help of the tide and a tug it was soon on it's way again and is now docked safely at it's port in Southhampton, England.
The historic ship was on it's final voyage home, headed to the refit shop to undergo conversion to a hotel, after 40 years of impeccable service and over two dozen round-the-world voyages. The next time you see her will be as a luxury hotel, part of Dubai's Atlantis.
There were no injuries and no damage was sustained to the ship.
Prince Phillip will make a brief appearance to say farewell before the ship heads to Dubai
Watch the video as the majestic QE2 leaves New York for the last time.
