Amphibious vehicle tours return to city

Seahorse Amphibious is the only company in Europe to manufacture and operate its own amphibious vehicles

An amphibious vehicle tour will launch in the north west of England, ten years after the ill-fated duck boat tours ceased operation.

Organisers said the eye-catching pink and blue vehicle will allow visitors to take in the sights of Liverpool city centre from land and water.

The tour will launch on Friday from the Royal Albert Dock and take in sights such as the Royal Liver Building, Liverpool Cathedral and the iconic St George’s Hall.

Splash Tours Liverpool said the new purpose-built vehicle was "totally different" from former duck boat tours and promised passengers "seamless land and water travel".

'A dream'

The "Yellow Duckmarine", operated by a different firm, ran for 14 years before two sank in Salthouse Dock.

The previous duck boat tours used World War Two DUKW trucks, landing craft built in the 1940s.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found poor maintenance and a failure to meet standards were to blame for the sinking and the tours ceased operating in 2014.

Splash Tours Liverpool is headed up by Graham Lumley, his son Ed and daughter Amelia.

"I have been in love with Liverpool from a young age and it's been a dream for nearly ten years to bring our amphibious tours to this great city," Ed Lumley, co-founder of Splash Tours Liverpool, said.

“We’re hoping that the Splash Tours vehicle will be a much-loved feature of Liverpool’s world-leading visitor economy for many years.

“I can’t wait to share our unique offering with the people of Liverpool and its visitors.”

"It's wonderful to add Splash Tours Liverpool to the growing list of vibrant attractions available at the dock," Sean Morrison, estate manager at Royal Albert Dock, said.

“In a city steeped with history, we're delighted to be part of a unique experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in Liverpool and provides an exciting opportunity to see the iconic waterfront like never before."