Now berthed on the Thames, the Royal Iris was found by the RNLI flooded during high tide and photographs revealed the poor state of the vessel.

Now photographer Dave Wood has set up the petition, which he plans to present to the owner in a bid to convince him to sell the vessel so that it can be returned to the Mersey.

Mr Wood, who was born and brought up in Liverpool and now lives in Luton, has visited the boat numerous times since he learned it was on the Thames.

He said: “When I heard the Royal Iris was in London, back in 2002, I remembered the ferry from when I was a kid and thought I’d go down and take a look at it.

“When I saw the state of her it was shocking – she was not in good nick even back in 2002.”

He said he contacted the owner and discussed the plans to convert it into a floating restaurant on the Thames, but later lost touch with him.

Mr Wood said: “I’ve been popping down there and having a look now and again, but – especially now with the recession and everything – I can’t see how it would make any money in London because it’s got no history down there.