National

Rare vessel sinks en route to famed boat festival

By AAP Newswire

Feb 6, 2025

The historic boat MV Goondooloo sinking in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel — Two crew members had to be rescued when a vintage vessel sank on its way to a Hobart boat festival. -PR Handout Image

A rare vessel has sunk due to mechanical failure on its way to a wooden boat festival, forcing its crew members to scramble to safety.

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Police were called to the 20-metre 1958 pilot cutter MV Goondooloo about 3.45pm on Wednesday after the vessel began taking on water in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, near Whale Boat Rock in Tasmania.

The two crew, a 50-year-old woman and 59-year-old male both from Hobart, were sailing from Port Huon to Hobart to participate in the Wooden Boat Festival when the incident took place.

The vessel was only one of three of its type and had previously served as a pilot vessel on Sydney Harbour.

As it quickly began to sink, the crew members used marine radio, an EPIRB and mobile phone to raise the alarm and provide information to emergency services.

Two police vessels rushed to the scene but unfortunately the boat couldn't be saved and sank soon after.

The crew was rescued by police and had been wearing life jackets along with having safety equipment.

No one was physically injured in the incident.

Hobart Police Acting Inspector Danny Jackson said the incident should be a warning for others on the water to wear life jackets, take the proper safety precautions, and remember to let someone know travel destinations and times.