The Queen Mary, one of Long Beach’s most iconic attractions, is in dire need of major repairs to stave off the risk of flooding or even collapse.
The cost of making safe the 1930s ocean liner could run as high as $300 million and a refurbishment program could last five years.
A structural survey of the ship said its condition is probably ‘approaching the point of no return.’
The hull is heavily corroded and its bilge system cannot be operated.
Also, pillars supporting a raised floor in an exhibition space is rusted and risks ‘immediate collapse’ the report suggests.
It says about three-quarters of work is deemed ‘urgent.’
The ship has been docked at Long Beach for nearly 50 years and serves as a floating hotel and lifestyle destination with shopping, dining and exhibition space.
It attracts more than one million visitors a year.
City officials are in discussions with the ship’s leaseholder Urban Commons and are committed to saving the vessel.
Last year Urban Commons approved $23 million for the most urgent repairs and is trying to secure additional funds.
"We have a timeline in which the engineers believe they can complete those immediate projects,". "These are major challenges we can only address over time; it can’t all be done at once," said John Keisler, economic and property development director.
