The ship was pulled off after 30 minutes after it hit the sandbank at
around 05.30 as it was sailing into Southampton Water.

QE2 is to leave
on its historic last voyage later today to Dubai where it will become a floating
hotel.

At 11.00 today one million poppies will be dropped over the ship
to mark the 90th anniversary of the ending of World War 1.

Prince Philip
will then meet crew before the 40 year old vessel sets sail for the last time.

Thousands of spectators are expected to line the docks to bid QE2
farewell this evening.

by Phil Davies