A historic Tasmanian vessel built in the same year as the Titanic is “in crisis” after taking on water at its berth on the Huon River.
The Cartela, launched at Battery Point in 1912, served as an iconic presence on the River Derwent for more than 100 years.
It provided crucial ferry services after the 1975 Tasman Bridge disaster and operated until 2014 before being relocated to Franklin.
Images captured on Thursday evening show the century-old vessel partially submerged beneath the surface of the water.
Chair of the Steamship Cartela Trust George Rance told Pulse warning systems, including alarms, pumps and generators, that should have alerted them failed.
“Cartela is a hugely significant part of Tasmania’s maritime heritage and we are in a desperate fight to save her,” he said.
“We have a plan in place, we have government support, but we continue to face endless obstacles that prevent us from taking the action needed to secure her future.”
The vessel’s condition has deteriorated significantly since its relocation to Franklin over a decade ago. Reports from 2021 described the boat as being in a terrible state.
Despite securing $1 million in state government funding in 2023 and $493,000 prior to that, work on the ambitious restoration project remains largely stalled.
Rance said this was down to “delays, bureaucratic red tape and roadblocks”, all of which have hindered their plans to get the boat to Battery Point.
The Trust has now engaged maritime experts to assess the damage and determine the viability of the planned restoration project.
“This incident should serve as a wake-up call. Our maritime history is at risk and we cannot afford any more delays,” Rance said.
“The Trust is calling on both state and federal governments to act immediately to ensure that this priceless piece of history is not lost due to inaction.”
