The tragic ending of almost 100 years worth of history has brought an end to one of Sydney’s most beloved ferries.
The MV Baragoola, which ferried thousands of passengers between Manly and Circular Quay on Sydney Harbour for more than six decades, sunk late Saturday night.
This iconic ferry. This iconic ferry has been through a turbulent history. Its last journey was in 1983.
Two people were on board when the vessel began taking on water at its mooring in the city’s lower north shore.
This is all that’s left of the historic MV Baragoola ferry (pictured) which sunk on Saturday night
They alerted NSW Fire and Rescue to help pump water from the vessel, before they were forced to abandon the sinking ferry.
Police arrived to find the ferry submerged in about 10 meters of water.
Authorities are currently attempting to salvage the wreckage as the ferry keeps breaking apart at the old coal loading wharf at Balls Head Bay, Waverton.
“A boom has been set up to catch any contaminants that might appear.” At this point, reports indicate there are only very small quantities of pollutants aboard and that the fuel tanks have been empty.
“Further inquiries will be made with owner regarding the incident.”
Built at Mort’s Dock in Balmain, Baragoola was launched on February 14, 1922 and began its service as a ferry seven months later.
The house has seen a lot of change since she retired 39 years ago. She was received with a warm welcome on her last Manly trip in January 1983.
Six weeks were left for the 100th anniversary of the MV Baragoola, pictured Friday
Pictured 1975: The icon vessel that ferried passengers between Manly and Circular Qay for over 60 years
The ferry languished in indefinite limbo between various owners, until it was bought by the Baragoola Preservation Association (2010).
On Saturday, the group posted on Facebook that they had handed over the vessel to someone who was familiar with Covid-19. This made it unaffordable.
Just days earlier, the association claimed the ferry’s caretaker was being pressured into selling equipment from the vessel.
“And another individual claims he has bought the vessel,” the group wrote.
Both of these are illegal.
“There are enough fake rumours. We don’t need any more.
It was three months before that the group had set out to rescue and restore the beloved Goola.
There were several options, including moving her onto a barge. Dry land Place her in storage and restore small pieces at a given time.
A salvage operation is underway to remove the sunken ferry from the waters of Balls Head Bay
The association said that “She is the last Sydney-built manly ferry that’s restorable.”
‘Goola is something that should not be wasted.
“Her engine rooms were intact and can be made functional again.
“But we also need money and people.”
The sad news of the Baragoola’s death shocked maritime enthusiasts.
A man observed, “Very sad. Doesn’t seem like much was done.
One woman added: This breaks my heart. I lived on our beloved MV Baragoola, as one of three ships keepers during 1986-1988, when she was moored in Blackwattle Bay at the end of Glebe Point Road.
Sydney’s maritime past was enriched by the MV Baragoola.
“It was an incredible privilege to spend every day with her over those years.
“We loved her so very much. It’s been difficult to witness the struggles of those who attempted to support her in the years that followed.
Others believed that the sinking ferry was inevitable.
Oskar Johanson from Sydney, who is a maritime researcher in Sydney, said to The Daily Telegraph that the tragedy demonstrates how important it is for Sydney to preserve its maritime heritage.
“Even the best efforts of a caring society can sometimes not suffice to keep an old vessel afloat.”