Falls of Clyde – an iron-hulled, four-masted ship – was built at the former Russell and Co yard in 1878.

In recent years, she has been home to a museum as part of the Hawaii Maritime Centre while berthed at Honolulu Harbour.

Campaign group Save Falls of Clyde International has spent several years fighting for her to be brought home to the River Clyde.

Despite winning a tender from the Hawaiian Department of Transportation in 2021, the group was blocked in its previous bid to bring the deteriorating vessel home when the agreement terms were altered and the contract was pulled.

A contract was awarded to Donjon Marine for her removal from Honolulu Harbour in January 2025.

(Image: HDOT)

This was, however, later rejected, with Florida-based company Shipwright then being awarded a new $4.9million contract for her disposal.

An update issued by the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) on Wednesday confirmed the completion of Falls of Clyde’s disposal.

She was towed from her berth at sunrise, before being taken to a disposal site south of Honolulu Harbour.

Campaign leader David O’Neill told the Telegraph: “The tragic decisions taken by the State of Hawaii over the last 10 years of engagement have been absolutely devastating.

“The scuttling of the Port Glasgow vessel is nothing more than cultural vandalism.

“This elegant ship, was slated as a risk to life and limb, but was towed 26 miles to her resting place.

“The State of Hawaii is bereft of any moral conscience and have consistently sought monetary benefit to the State at all cost.

“They have objected to any solution or logistical proposal offered, unless they were benefitting financially via the imposition of a performance bond, a form of insurance, that they historically keep.

“This is such a loss to Scotland’s and Hawaii heritage, that they will carry this shame for many years to come.

“We will continue to strive to preserve our maritime heritage, in a new, modern way, that seeks a new interactive approach to provide heritage in a way not on offer elsewhere in the UK.”

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HDOT’s statement noted that the Friends of Falls of Clyde conducted a small ‘send-off ceremony’ before the vessel was towed from her port.

Officials said: “HDOT continues to work with this organization to memorialize the vessel in a permanent display that will feature key artifacts including the vessel’s name board, wheel and bell.

“Other artifacts removed from the vessel have been transferred to the National Park Service and will be displayed at the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park.

“Some of the rigging tools from Falls of Clyde will be used for the maintenance of the Balclutha, a three-masted square-rigged Scottish-built ship moored at the park.”

Falls of Clyde at Honolulu Harbour(Image: Helen Small)

Following Falls of Clyde’s disposal, the team behind the Tall Ship Glenlee – which is berthed at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow – said they were ‘deeply saddened’ by the news.

They added: “Built on the River Clyde in 1878, she was a proud symbol of Scotland’s shipbuilding heritage and a reminder of the skill and ambition that once made the Clyde world-famous.

“Her loss highlights just how fragile our maritime heritage can be without ongoing care and support.

“With Falls of Clyde gone, Glenlee is now one of only four Clydebuilt sailing ships of her type still afloat.

“We remain committed to safeguarding her for future generations — honouring her sister ships and ensuring the legacy of the Clyde endures.”