THE deal to transport the historic Falls of Clyde ship from Hawaii back to its birthplace on the Clyde has fallen through, it was reported in Honolulu yesterday.

The Save Falls of Clyde International organisation has cancelled the transportation plan scheduled for February 3, citing logistical problems, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.

The newspaper reported that David O’Neill, the group’s director, said they might have been a “bit optimistic” about the time it would take to secure commercial sponsors for the project.

O’Neill said: “We are still very much 100% committed to saving this ship as she has a role to play that will benefit citizens of Hawaii, the environment and help create new opportunities across the Pacific region.

“If we succeed we will save Hawaii taxpayers almost up to $1.5 million, which has been estimated as the cost for harbours to sink her.”

Falls of Clyde is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. She was built in Port Glasgow in 1878 and is the last surviving vessel of its kind still afloat.

The state Harbours Division has given the ship’s owner until February 6 to move the vessel from Pier 7 at Honolulu Harbour. The state plans to start auction proceedings if the deadline is not met, said Bruce McEwan, president of the Honolulu friends group.

He said: “We don’t want to see her auctioned off because we don’t know what that’s going to mean for her future.”