'Black Pearl' pirate ship stalks the Foyle 09.08.07

THE 'HMS BOUNTY', aka 'The Black Pearl' pirate ship sailed into Lough Foyle yesterday but to the chagrin of local ladies there was no sign of skipper Jack Sparrow.
	The well known ship, made famous in 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Mutiny on the Bounty', sailed through Greencastle, Moville and onwards to Derry where she will be docked at Queen's Quay for three days. The ship's agent requested
permission from Derry Port and Harbour Authority for the unscheduled stopover to make some repairs in advance of a British tour starting next week. The US-based vessel is a full-sized replica of the original and was built in 1962 for the MGM film ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ starring Marlon Brando and Trevor Howard.

It has become famous among today's cinema audiences as Jack Sparrow's beloved ‘Black Pearl’. "The HMS Bounty has requested to stay in Derry for three days. It may be open to the public during that time," said the port's assistant harbour master, Bill Martin. The vessel is 55m long and has recently undergone a $3m restoration. It is undertaking a seven-week British tour prior to embarking on a world tour via South Africa and New Zealand to Pitcairn and Tahiti. The British tour proper begins with her arrival at the
birthplace of mutiny leader Fletcher Christian in Maryport, Cumbria, on Tuesday, August 14th. However, as it is three-days ahead of schedule, the ship and crew will first enjoy their berth in the Maiden City. No doubt though, the women of Derry will be 'in the Depps' at Johnny's no show!
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