An almost century-old schooner that ran aground at the Waimakiriri River mouth cannot be saved.
The MV Tuhoe was returning to its berth in the Kaiapoi River after more than $200,000 worth of repairs in Lyttelton when it got stuck yesterday,
Tuhoe Kaiapoi Riverton Trust chairman Philip Redmond said an unsuccessful attempt was made to tow the Tuhoe off today.
However, a marine inspector later found the 96-year-old ship has sustained such damage that it is unsalvageable.
"It basically had split about two-thirds of the way towards the stern, taking on copious amounts of water, and it was felt that it was too much of a risk to try to tow it off again."
Mr Redmond said the trust had removed all items it could of sentimental and historical value, and was hoping to reclaim the masts and wheelhouse.
