‘She’s been a brilliant ship’: Cornwall says goodbye to Scillonian III after 50 years

As well as being a favourite with visitors, the ship has many fans among Scilly residents, many of whom have a favourite seat. Photograph: Hugh R Hastings/Getty Images

There was a mix of anticipation and trepidation in Penzance among the passengers waiting on to board Scillonian III.

Some were looking forward to an adventurous voyage on the ferry to the Isles of Scilly, which lie 30 miles off the Cornish coast; others were not quite so keen, knowing that when there is an Atlantic swell, the Scillionian can toss and turn, a tendency that has earned it the unflattering name the “vomit comet”.