Preservation
On her decommissioning she was placed into the care of the National Museum of the Royal Navy based in Portsmouth though remaining moored in her position in Alexandra Dock. Her future was uncertain with several proposals put forward.
Although no longer capable of making way under her own power, Caroline remains afloat and in excellent condition. Buffeting from waves and high winds have caused the ship to almost come away from her moorings several times. In 2005, during a storm, she ripped several huge bollards out of the jetty concrete, but failed to break free entirely. Proposals have been made to return the ship to her WW-I appearance, which among other restoration work would involve sourcing and installing 4" guns of that era and the removal of the large deck-house from her mid-ships deck. Thus far the costs involved have been prohibitive and no scheme has progressed beyond the discussion stage. Caroline is not normally open to tourists although entrance can be gained during the annual Titanic celebrations.
One proposal considered was to remain in Belfast as a museum ship within the Titanic Quarter development alongside SS Nomadic (1911). Another was a move to Portsmouth with many of her original fittings reinstated and return her as much as possible to her WW1 appearance. In June 2012 plans were announced that the Caroline would be moved to Portsmouth subject to the availability of funding. However, in October 2012 the Northern Ireland government announced that the ship would remain in Belfast and that the National Heritage Memorial Fund had pledged £1m to help to restore her.
She is listed as part of the National Historic Fleet, Core Collection.
Read more about this topic: HMS Caroline (1914)
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