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Only millions can save Cutty Sark

The charred 19th century clipper Cutty Sark is seen after a fire at the ship's dry dock Monday. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
The Spokesman-Review
The charred 19th century clipper Cutty Sark is seen after a fire at the ship's dry dock Monday. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

Technology, rot and now fire have caught up with the Cutty Sark, the graceful clipper ship built in the 19th century to speed fresh tea from China to Britain.

After a quick look at the charred hull, custodians of the world’s only surviving tea clipper said Monday it could still be made as good as new – by adding millions more to a restoration project already costing $50 million.

Firefighters battled the blaze for more than two hours after responding to a 4:45 a.m. alarm at the ship’s dry dock. The cause of the blaze was under investigation.

The Cutty Sark, which inspired a brand of Scotch, was the world’s only surviving example of an extreme clipper, regarded as the ultimate merchant sailing vessel.

SEOUL, South Korea

Universal plans park in South Korea

Universal Parks & Resorts and a local partner have signed an agreement aimed at setting up a Universal Studios theme park in South Korea, the two companies said today.

The project aims to create a comprehensive resort like Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., a statement said.

Universal Parks & Resorts is a division of General Electric Co.’s NBC Universal. Besides its locations in Hollywood, Calif.; Osaka, Japan; and Orlando, the company announced plans earlier this month to develop a park in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai.