A UNIQUE porthole - and fixtures - for the restoration for HMS Caroline are being produced by a talented Belfast Met student who has teamed up with ship refurbishment company Blu Marine for the special dry dock project.
Seville-born Cayetano Rodriguez, currently taking part in the Met's 'Manufacturing Skills for Industry' programme, is devising a porthole, porthole ring, porthole handles and scupper for the warship docked at Titanic Belfast.
His passion for the work is equalled only by his passion for the sea, having sailed, worked as part of a crew and repaired small ships in a workshop in the north of Girona in the Catalonia region of Spain.
Craig McCoo, managing director of Blu Marine, said: "Cateyano has proven he has a passion for ship refurbishment and the relevant skills for the job. He is a welcome addition to the team working on the refurbishment of HMS Caroline.
"We are committed to supporting talent from our local education providers and the partnership between Blu Marine and Belfast Met is one which will pay dividends to the tourism sector in Northern Ireland."
HMS Caroline, a lightweight cruiser, served in the First World War during the Battle of Jutland in 1916 and, after being restored to its former 1916 glory, will be open to visitors from June.
Restoration work was made possible following a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £11.9 million and £2.7m from the Stormont Executive, allowing the vessel to be transformed into a virtual 'floating museum'.
On completion, historians, tourists and enthusaistic seafarers alike will be able to inspect the 'Captain’s Cabin', 'Royal Marine's Mess' and 'Seaman’s Wash' as well as exploring the engine room, sick-bay and galley kitchen.
