The fire broke out at 4.45am causing major damage to the 'tween decking and buckling some of the ship’s ironwork before it was put out by London Fire Brigade at 6.28am.
Luckily 50% of the ship had been removed as part of the major conservation project currently underway – saving items including the masts, the coach house and a significant amount of planking.
Now staff have vowed to save as much as they can of the original fabric damaged by the fire and press ahead with the conservation.
“One thing is certain - we will now redouble our efforts to save the world ’s most famous clipper ship,” said Richard Doughty, Chief Executive, Cutty Sark Trust.
“It has been rescued twice before, in 1922 and 1953 – this will be third time lucky. Now, more than ever, the Cutty Sark needs support from all her friends across the world.”
Mr Doughty conceded the fire is a significant blow to the restoration project, which needed £25m for completion. “We had £18m raised already and now we are appealing for help to close the funding gap, get us through this crisis, and return the ship to its former glory.”
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) which awarded £13m towards the conservation and preservation of the 137 year old tea clipper in 2006 has indicated it would have to consider first the full scale of the damage before committing any more funds.
"This is a very sad day and we extend our sympathy to the Trust. The Cutty Sark is an iconic part of London’s heritage, and for Greenwich in particular," said Carole Souter, Director of the HLF.
"All those involved with her will need time to understand and come to terms with what has happened today before making any plans for her future.”
In the meantime members of the public who want to make a donation towards the restoration project can do so by using the link below, by visiting the Cutty Sark website at www.cuttysark.org.uk or by sending a donation to the Cutty Sark Trust at 2 Greenwich Church Street, Greenwich SE10 9BG.
