SPIRIT OF 1770
Latest ports
Latest Waypoints
Latest news
Wreck of gutted tourist boat found
Investigations into the cause of the fire on board the "Spirit of 1770" have entered a new stage after its sunken wreckage was found almost 25 kilometres off the coast of The Town of 1770, in southern Queensland, on May 28. The private operators of the vessel enlisted the help of two local divers who filmed the wreckage at 38 metres depth more than two weeks after the boat sank on May 11 after a fire broke out in its engine room. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has taken over the investigation from Maritime Safety Queensland, which initially coordinated the operation alongside police. AMSA said any decision to salvage the vessel was a matter for its owners, in consultation with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and investigations were continuing.
Search for wreck in vain so far
Maritime Safety and Queensland's Water Police unit have had no luck finding the wreckage of thew "Spirit of 1770" about 16 miles from Lady Musgrave Island. They were still scouring the sea bed off Agnes Water's coast as the police believed the wreckage could hold vital clues revealing why the boat went up in flames. Why the catamaran's engine were alight during the trip remained a mystery. Authorities are waiting until the vessel is found before they commit to diving to it, depending how deep it is.
Boaties praised for successful rescue operation in rough conditions
The heroic actions of two boaties helped prevent a tragedy after the engine of the "Spirit of 1770" exploded into flames. Attempts will be made to salvage the wreck of the tourist vessel from the ocean floor, 18 km off the coast of the town of 1770. Passengers and crew drifted on two life rafts in open water for more than five hours. The offshore fishing charter owner James Brown did not hesitate to send one of three vessels to transport the passengers and crew back to shore. Mr. Brown took his 7,5-m fishing boat to the life rafts while it was pretty rough and dark out there. Nine passengers were loaded into Mr Brown’s boat, where he provided water and jumpers to the Chinese and Kiwi tourists. Queensland Police Inspector Darren Somerville praised the boaties. Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics treated 19 people for sea sickness once they arrived back to shore, with three spending the night in hospital. Report with photos: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/queensland-boat-fire-police-praise--hero-boaties-who-helped-rescue-spirit-of-1770-passengers/news-story/901c3834c407b98a06b7af9f56e62913
Upload News