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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Beth Lindop

Confusion as 'incredibly loud' noise rings out across Liverpool

People in Liverpool have taken to social media to share their confusion after a loud "horn" was heard ringing out throughout the city.

Shortly after 2pm, Aaron Wilson took to Twitter questioning the noise, writing: "Okay so what was that incredibly loud horn heard in Liverpool? Seems to be multiple of them now? Plus massive water jets on the port of Liverpool building?"

The sound was part of a special maritime tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away last Thursday (September 8). Twenty ships gathered on the River Mersey in front of the Three Graces (Liver Building, Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building) to blow their whistles in tribute to the late monarch.

READ MORE: Closures and cancellations in Liverpool for the Queen's funeral

Hundreds of people turned out at the Pier Head to watch as pilot launch boats, RNLI Lifeboats, river tugs, Mersey Ferries and the Disney Magic cruise liner all gathered to pay their respects. River tugs performed the Fleur De Lis - spraying water from their fire cannons and vessels currently within Liverpool and Wirral dock systems, including at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead, also sounded their whistles in unison, showing solidarity with the maritime salute.

The cruise ship Disney Magic was involved in the tribute (Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)

The tribute, co-ordinated by the city council’s Cruise Liverpool team, also featured a performance from a bagpiper. Lord Mayor of Liverpool Councillor Roy Gladden, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, Naval Regional Commander for Northern England and Isle of Man, Commodore Phillip Waterhouse and Harbour Master Gary Doyle, all watched on from a docked Mersey Ferry.

Speaking ahead of the tribute, Councillor Gladden, said: “With Liverpool’s world-renowned maritime heritage it feels right that we use the River Mersey to pay a special tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. Following discussions with our maritime community, there is a real appetite for the working vessels to pay their own unique mark of respect to the monarch.

“This tribute will be a rousing chorus of whistles and horns to echo along the shore of The Mersey, a river upon which many of Her Majesty’s vessels have visited.”

We have turned comments off on this story but you can share your tribute in our online condolence book here.

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Queen Elizabeth II: Leave your tribute in the Liverpool ECHO's online condolence book

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