The renovated Mayflower II ship back to being tourist attraction in Plymouth

PLYMOUTH — Chief G. Edward Bradley is pleased to announce that the Plymouth Fire Department assisted local and state agencies to provide an escort for the renovated Mayflower II ship into Plymouth Harbor on Monday, August 10th.

According to PFD, the ship docked today at Pilgrim Memorial State Park following a month-long journey up the coast from Connecticut where the renovations took place.

The ship had been receiving more than $11 million in renovations at the Mystic Seaport. Once complete, the ship sailed up the coast and docked at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay this past Saturday.

Monday marked the final leg of the ship’s journey. Plymouth Fire Department’s fire boat joined in the escort alongside units from the Plymouth Police Department, Plymouth Harbormaster, Massachusetts State Police Marine Unit and Massachusetts Environmental Police, according to Bradley.

As part of the escort, the PFD fire boat performed a “water salute” by engaging its on-board water pump.

“We were thrilled to be able to assist in the escort for the Mayflower II, which pays homage to an iconic part of Plymouth’s history and culture,” Chief Bradley said. “We were fortunate that the weather cooperated with us, and that we were able to take part in this special event.”

The Mayflower II’s ceremonial journey was to be part of a larger celebration for the Mayflower’s 400th anniversary, but plans needed to be scaled back due to COVID-19. The ship will now remain docked in Plymouth Harbor, where it has been a tourist attraction since being gifted to the town from England in 1956.