Topic starter
24/12/2011 6:05 pm
I just returned from a three day 1700 mile trip to Pierre Part, LA. I brought back with me both mermaids, although in poor condition, and the stern signboard from the MQ.
I met with several of the guys and girls that were involved in the scrapping operation and have a number of stories to share at some point. They were some of the nicest folks I have ever met and showed some true southern hospitality.
The plans for the mermaids and sign is to restore them and return them to the Ohio river for all traveling to see and enjoy.
More to come soon but I am short on time for now.
One tidbit that I picked up from a very reliable source is that the AQ was supposed to be scrapped to, but obviously was not.
24/12/2011 9:59 pm
Any word on the disposition of the hull? What about the rest of the boat? Looking forward to seeing your project come to fruition.
Topic starter
27/12/2011 2:40 pm
MQ hull
I have confirmed that the hull was indeed scrapped. I spoke with the gentleman that helped put the deal together between the chinese and those that were involved in dismantling the boat.
Again it is a long story to tell and I don't know that I could ever get it correct, but for several reasons the hull was moved in the middle of the night to a different location for scrapping.
Hopefully later in the week I will have some time to share some stories and pictures.
If anyone ever had time to write a book about the lifespan of the MQ, they need to make a trip to LA and interview these folks. There are great people and I believe would be happy to share their stories.
Pierre Part is a small Parish and needlest to say the arrival and scrapping of the boat was a big deal in their town.
If anyone watches History Channel and the show Swamp People, it all happens in Pierre Part. We had a chance to meet some of these folks and spend a night in their neighborhood eating blue crabs and listening to stories.