Historic: The Cutty Sark attracts thousands of visitors each year
The Cutty Sark is the last of the great Tea Clippers and situated in the very heart of Greenwich, in a dry dock at the river's edge.
Sadly, the ship has been seriously damaged by fire, and the Cutty Sark Trust urgently needs help to restore the damage and continue their valuable conservation project.
Find out how you can donate time or money on the Cutty Sark website
A multi-million pound conservation project had been under way on the Cutty Sark to restore the ship after serious structural problems.
However additional project costs may reach £10m as a result of the additional time and other costs to complete it.
The project had been due for completion in the first half of 2009. It now seems it will not be completed until late 2009 or early 2010.
The visitor centre pavilion is now open again however, and a special story of the fire is on show.
'Iconic symbol'
Greenwich Council leader Chris Roberts said the blaze was a 'devastating blow' for the visitor attraction.
He said: "This is a devastating blow for what is a truly iconic symbol of Greenwich across the world.
"The Cutty Sark has a unique and special history, which helps to draw millions of visitors to Greenwich every year. We must be thankful that there have not been any injuries and that the emergency services have acted quickly to bring the situation under control.
"Greenwich Council has been a key partner in the efforts to restore the Cutty Sark for a number of years and we will continue to do all we can to support the Trust following this sad and shocking news."
The Cutty Sark is part of the historic Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. Other famous buildings and landmarks in the area were unaffected by the blaze.
Find out more about visiting Maritime Greenwich
Can you help?
If you have any information about the blaze which may assist the police in their investigations, please contact Greenwich CID on 020 8284 9416.
Further information
Read more about the history of the Cutty Sark
Visit the Cutty Sark website