SUNRISE LAKE MACQUARIE
Boats at Swansea_Z8D2863
10# The Lake, Botanical Gardens , Sydney NSW in ANAGLYPH
Tacking Point Lighthouse #1
Tacking Point Lighthouse#2
From Sarahs Island, Macquarie Harbour
Hobart. Upper Macquarie Street. Red brick and sandstone cottge built in the 1840s or 1850s.
Hobart. Town Hall. Flags and mayor costumes of the past.
Hobart. Town Hall built in 1864. Ceiling panel in the ballroom with image of Beethoven.
Macquarie bay Lighthouse, Strahan Tasmania
Sunrise Seascape with beautiful cloud covered sky and gentle surf
Sunrise Seascape with beautiful cloud covered sky and gentle surf
Sunrise Seascape with beautiful cloud covered sky and gentle surf
Sunrise Seascape with beautiful cloud covered sky and gentle surf
Sunrise Seascape with beautiful cloud covered sky and gentle surf
'TOWALONG' Portland – 2nd February 2010.This information has been published with inputs from Chris Borough, Graham Nicholson and Philip Pope. Much of the information presented here has been provided by Mori Flapan ( www.boatregister.net ) and Lindsay Rex (THE LOG Volume 51, no1, issue 211 – 2018 www.nautical-association.org/ ), without whom this report could not be published. There are numerous gaps and differences between both records. Every effort has been made to best record events and incorporate all information; any corrections or suggestions gratefully received (chrisborough@gmail.com).
The tug Mort Bay was originally built as a fishing vessel by William (Bill) Ryan in Taree in 1968. She was sold shortly after launch and was completed as a tug by late 1969. She had a long history in operation and is now on a plinth in the gardens of Murradoc Farm, Drysdale Victoria. She has had many names and has now reverted to her original name - Mort Bay
DETAILS
Names: Mort Bay , Calico Jack , Towalong , Melbourne {MSV10590} Loam and again Mort Bay
Official Number: 332967
Registration: Sydney 50/1972 - 23rd August 1972.
Launch: Believed to be circa November 1968. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Engines: One 2 stroke Diesel, V12 cylinder – Detroit Diesel Engines 71 Series 359 bhp
Length: 50.65 ft
Breadth: 16.25 ft
Depth in Hold: 8.7 ft
Tonnage: n.b. 1 shipping ton = 100 cubic feet or 2.83 cubic metres
Gross: 44.49 tons
Net (Register): 20.46 tons (57.90 cubic metres)
OWNERS:
1968: George Ross Miller, Sydney – professional fisherman (thought to be original owner).
1968/69: Harbour Lighterage Ltd and was completed in late
1969 (n.b. vessel not registered over the period 1969 – 1972).
1972 - 1992: Rozelle Lighterage and Storage Co. Pty Ltd (wound up 22nd December 1997). Vessel was presumably a subsidiary of Harbour Lighterage Ltd. (now de-listed). 10th Sept 1992 sold by auction at Rozelle Bay for $34,000, one of the fleet of Harbour Lighterage vessels disposed upon closure of company.
1992 – 2000?: John? Aldritt, Coasters Retreat NSW – re-named Calico Jack . [Source Mori Flapan] OR
1992 -2000: Sold to Damian Fitzgerald (nominal owner Sylvia Willis) and re-named Calico Jack . Re-built above deck 2000. [Source Lindsay Rex]
n.b. It is possible that Fitzgerald may have sold to Aldritt shortly after purchase at auction.
2001: unknown owner Redcliffe, Qld .
2002 – 2010 Calico Jack was purchased by Dale Jennings of Portland and on 9th July 2002, re-located to Portland, Victoria; she was renamed Towalong by March 2003 [Source Lindsay Rex].
2010 Towalong renamed Calico Jack [Source Lindsay Rex].
OR
2002 – 2013 Calico Jack purchased by Malcolm Sinclair and renamed Towalong [Source Mori Flapan]
2013 – 2015: Believed to be renamed Melbourne MSV10590 [Source Mori Flapan and others]
2015 – 2024+: Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley. Believed to be renamed Loam. In poor condition, she was purchased by the owner of Murradoc Farm, Drysdale, Victoria and installed as a static display in September 2017. The tug, has been recently re-painted and is now (2024) known as Mort Bay .
INITIAL LIFE
The Mort Bay commenced life as a fishing vessel; she was built by Messrs. W.O. Ryan and Sons (William (Bill) Oscar Ryan) at Browns Creek, Taree. It is believed that she was commissioned by Sydney-based professional fisherman, George Ross Miller, and may have been named Robert M .
LAUNCH
Launch of the Mort Bay into Browns Creek, Taree - a tributary of the Manning River. The launch date was in November 1968. The launch site, including the rails, is still visible at Browns Creek.
After launch, Mort Bay was purchased by Harbour Lighterage Ltd. Circa early 1969 arrangements were made to add the superstructure needed suit her life as a tug.
MORT BAY DEPARTS FOR SYDNEYMort Bay was loaded at the Manning River Co-op Dairy Society Ltd's wharf at Chatham in preparation for her voyage to Sydney via Newcastle.
REGISTERED IN SYDNEY - 1972
The Mort Bay was not registered until 23rd August 1972 - to the Rozelle Lighterage and Storage Co. Pty Ltd. Rozelle Lighterage & Storage may well have been a subsidiary of Harbour Lighterage Ltd.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
As part of the fleet of tugs operating under Harbour Lighterage Ltd., Mort Bay was used constantly on numerous tasks. Her role as a tug terminated and she was sold by auction (for $34,000) at Rozelle on 10th September 1992 when Harbour Lighterage sold its fleet.
1992 PURCHASED AND SOLD TO JOHN? ALDRITT
Mori Flapan records Calico Jack as purchased by Aldritt (John?) in 1992 and sold in 2002. Little is known of her life at Coasters Retreat (Pittwater). She was later sold to Queensland interests – circa 2000.
This is the story of Calico Jack : John Rackham (hanged 18 November 1720), commonly known as Calico Jack, was an English pirate captain operating in the Bahamas and in Cuba during the early 18th century. His nickname was derived from the calico clothing that he wore, while Jack is a nickname for "John".
Rackham was active towards the end (1718–1720) of the "Golden Age of Piracy". He is most remembered for having two female crew members: Mary Read and his lover, Anne Bonny. Rackham deposed Charles Vane from his position as captain of the sloop Ranger, then cruised the Leeward Islands, Jamaica Channel and Windward Passage. He accepted the King's Pardon in 1719 and moved to New Providence, where he met Anne Bonny, who was married to James Bonny at the time. He returned to piracy in 1720 by stealing a British sloop and Anne joined him. Their new crew included Mary Read, who was disguised as a man at the time. After a short run, Rackham was captured by Jonathan Barnet, an English privateer, in 1720, put on trial by Sir Nicholas Lawes, Governor of Jamaica, and hanged in November of that year in Port Royal, Jamaica.
Source - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calico_Jack
Lindsay Rex records Mort Bay was “purchased 10th September 1992 for $34,000 by Damian Fitzgerald (nominal owner Sylvia Willis) and recorded as named Calico Jack by March 2000 (in Port Macquarie)”. It seems possible that Damian Willis sold to Aldritt shortly after purchase. Any further information would be gratefully received.
CALICO JACK RE-LOCATED TO QUEENSLAND IN 20002002 SOLD AND RELOCATED TO PORTLAND – RE-NAMED TOWALONG
In June 2002 Calico Jack was purchased by Dale Jennings of Portland and re-located from Redcliffe in Queensland to Portland in Victoria via Newcastle (9th July 2002). By March 2003 she had been named Towalong [Lindsay Rex]. N.B. Mori Flapan records the owner as Malcolm Sinclair.
From 2002/04 she was displayed at the boat museum Portland, Vic. In late 2005, she was recorded as berthed in the Maribyrnong River, Melbourne [Mori Flapan]. In early 2006 the owner attempted to establish Towalong as a charter vessel in Melbourne but, after two months, the venture was unsuccessful and she was returned to Portland. [Lindsay Rex]
RENAMED MELBOURNE {MSV10590} CIRCA. LATE 2012 – OR CALICO JACK IN 2010
By late 2012 she is believed to have been renamed Melbourne {MSV10590} . Contrary to other reports, Lindsay Rex makes no mention of the naming of the Towalong as Melbourne {MSV10590 }; conversely he records Towalong being renamed Calico Jack again in June 2010.
2015? - BELIEVED TO BE RE-NAMED LOAM? .
There is reference to the vessel being named Loam but no details are available [Mori Flapan] and hence the date 2015 is an educated guess. There may be a connection with the name of the restaurant LOAM that operated from Murradoc Farm, Drysdale (closed in June 2013).
On 7th September 2017 the vessel was lifted by mobile crane and placed on a low loader. The deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel were removed before the lift [Lindsay Rex]
IN POOR CONDITION - TAKEN TO OAKDENE ESTATE, DRYSDALE
In 2017 Oakdene Estate purchased Murradoc Farm that comprised both an Olive plantation and a vineyard. On 7th September 2017 what is believed to known as Loam , the wooden double ended ex-tug was lifted by mobile crane and placed on a low loader on 7th September 2017 then transported to the Lighthouse Olive Oil farm site at Drysdale, where it was placed on the ground on 11th September 2017 with supporting steelwork. The deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel had been removed before the lift and were then refitted to the hull. The vessel is to become a feature outside the adjoining shed which will be developed as the cellar door for Oakdene Wines. Both businesses and the vessel are owned by Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley. [Source Lindsay Rex]
RE-NAMED MORT BAY BY NEW OWNERS
The owners of Oakdene Estate refer to her by her original name - Mort Bay . The vessel is on hard stand. Recently repainted, she is located at Murradoc Farm, Drysdale.
LOCATION OF MORT BAY - ON MURRADOC FARM - 2024
The Mort Bay is located on the vineyard of Oakdene Estate (previously Murradoc Farm) off Anderson Road, Drysdale - not currently (2024) open to the public.
Acknowledgements : The assistance of Mori Flapan (Mori Flapan boatregister ) by providing access to his extensive database is greatly appreciated.
Image Source : Source: www.shipsnostalgia.com/media/towalong.156833/full
Image enhancement Philip Pope
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
View from Mrs Macquarie's Chair
'MORT BAY' Satellite Image location of Mort Bay 2023Mort Bay at Murradoc Farm, Drysdale, Victoria.
MORT BAY (1968 – 2024+)
This information has been published with inputs from Chris Borough, Graham Nicholson and Philip Pope. Much of the information presented here has been provided by Mori Flapan ( www.boatregister.net ) and Lindsay Rex (THE LOG Volume 51, no1, issue 211 – 2018 www.nautical-association.org/ ), without whom this report could not be published. There are numerous gaps and differences between both records. Every effort has been made to best record events and incorporate all information; any corrections or suggestions gratefully received (chrisborough@gmail.com).
The tug Mort Bay was originally built as a fishing vessel by William (Bill) Ryan in Taree in 1968. She was sold shortly after launch and was completed as a tug by late 1969. She had a long history in operation and is now on a plinth in the gardens of Murradoc Farm, Drysdale Victoria. She has had many names and has now reverted to her original name - Mort Bay
DETAILS
Names: Mort Bay , Calico Jack , Towalong , Melbourne {MSV10590} Loam and again Mort Bay
Official Number: 332967
Registration: Sydney 50/1972 - 23rd August 1972.
Launch: Believed to be circa November 1968. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Engines: One 2 stroke Diesel, V12 cylinder – Detroit Diesel Engines 71 Series 359 bhp
Length: 50.65 ft
Breadth: 16.25 ft
Depth in Hold: 8.7 ft
Tonnage: n.b. 1 shipping ton = 100 cubic feet or 2.83 cubic metres
Gross: 44.49 tons
Net (Register): 20.46 tons (57.90 cubic metres)
OWNERS:
1968: George Ross Miller, Sydney – professional fisherman (thought to be original owner).
1968/69: Harbour Lighterage Ltd and was completed in late
1969 (n.b. vessel not registered over the period 1969 – 1972).
1972 - 1992: Rozelle Lighterage and Storage Co. Pty Ltd (wound up 22nd December 1997). Vessel was presumably a subsidiary of Harbour Lighterage Ltd. (now de-listed). 10th Sept 1992 sold by auction at Rozelle Bay for $34,000, one of the fleet of Harbour Lighterage vessels disposed upon closure of company.
1992 – 2000?: John? Aldritt, Coasters Retreat NSW – re-named Calico Jack . [Source Mori Flapan] OR
1992 -2000: Sold to Damian Fitzgerald (nominal owner Sylvia Willis) and re-named Calico Jack . Re-built above deck 2000. [Source Lindsay Rex]
n.b. It is possible that Fitzgerald may have sold to Aldritt shortly after purchase at auction.
2001: unknown owner Redcliffe, Qld .
2002 – 2010 Calico Jack was purchased by Dale Jennings of Portland and on 9th July 2002, re-located to Portland, Victoria; she was renamed Towalong by March 2003 [Source Lindsay Rex].
2010 Towalong renamed Calico Jack [Source Lindsay Rex].
OR
2002 – 2013 Calico Jack purchased by Malcolm Sinclair and renamed Towalong [Source Mori Flapan]
2013 – 2015: Believed to be renamed Melbourne MSV10590 [Source Mori Flapan and others]
2015 – 2024+: Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley. Believed to be renamed Loam. In poor condition, she was purchased by the owner of Murradoc Farm, Drysdale, Victoria and installed as a static display in September 2017. The tug, has been recently re-painted and is now (2024) known as Mort Bay .
INITIAL LIFE
The Mort Bay commenced life as a fishing vessel; she was built by Messrs. W.O. Ryan and Sons (William (Bill) Oscar Ryan) at Browns Creek, Taree. It is believed that she was commissioned by Sydney-based professional fisherman, George Ross Miller, and may have been named Robert M .
LAUNCH
Launch of the Mort Bay into Browns Creek, Taree - a tributary of the Manning River. The launch date was in November 1968. The launch site, including the rails, is still visible at Browns Creek.
After launch, Mort Bay was purchased by Harbour Lighterage Ltd. Circa early 1969 arrangements were made to add the superstructure needed suit her life as a tug.
MORT BAY DEPARTS FOR SYDNEYMort Bay was loaded at the Manning River Co-op Dairy Society Ltd's wharf at Chatham in preparation for her voyage to Sydney via Newcastle.
REGISTERED IN SYDNEY - 1972
The Mort Bay was not registered until 23rd August 1972 - to the Rozelle Lighterage and Storage Co. Pty Ltd. Rozelle Lighterage & Storage may well have been a subsidiary of Harbour Lighterage Ltd.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
As part of the fleet of tugs operating under Harbour Lighterage Ltd., Mort Bay was used constantly on numerous tasks. Her role as a tug terminated and she was sold by auction (for $34,000) at Rozelle on 10th September 1992 when Harbour Lighterage sold its fleet.
1992 PURCHASED AND SOLD TO JOHN? ALDRITT
Mori Flapan records Calico Jack as purchased by Aldritt (John?) in 1992 and sold in 2002. Little is known of her life at Coasters Retreat (Pittwater). She was later sold to Queensland interests – circa 2000.
This is the story of Calico Jack : John Rackham (hanged 18 November 1720), commonly known as Calico Jack, was an English pirate captain operating in the Bahamas and in Cuba during the early 18th century. His nickname was derived from the calico clothing that he wore, while Jack is a nickname for "John".
Rackham was active towards the end (1718–1720) of the "Golden Age of Piracy". He is most remembered for having two female crew members: Mary Read and his lover, Anne Bonny. Rackham deposed Charles Vane from his position as captain of the sloop Ranger, then cruised the Leeward Islands, Jamaica Channel and Windward Passage. He accepted the King's Pardon in 1719 and moved to New Providence, where he met Anne Bonny, who was married to James Bonny at the time. He returned to piracy in 1720 by stealing a British sloop and Anne joined him. Their new crew included Mary Read, who was disguised as a man at the time. After a short run, Rackham was captured by Jonathan Barnet, an English privateer, in 1720, put on trial by Sir Nicholas Lawes, Governor of Jamaica, and hanged in November of that year in Port Royal, Jamaica.
Source - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calico_Jack
Lindsay Rex records Mort Bay was “purchased 10th September 1992 for $34,000 by Damian Fitzgerald (nominal owner Sylvia Willis) and recorded as named Calico Jack by March 2000 (in Port Macquarie)”. It seems possible that Damian Willis sold to Aldritt shortly after purchase. Any further information would be gratefully received.
CALICO JACK RE-LOCATED TO QUEENSLAND IN 20002002 SOLD AND RELOCATED TO PORTLAND – RE-NAMED TOWALONG
In June 2002 Calico Jack was purchased by Dale Jennings of Portland and re-located from Redcliffe in Queensland to Portland in Victoria via Newcastle (9th July 2002). By March 2003 she had been named Towalong [Lindsay Rex]. N.B. Mori Flapan records the owner as Malcolm Sinclair.
From 2002/04 she was displayed at the boat museum Portland, Vic. In late 2005, she was recorded as berthed in the Maribyrnong River, Melbourne [Mori Flapan]. In early 2006 the owner attempted to establish Towalong as a charter vessel in Melbourne but, after two months, the venture was unsuccessful and she was returned to Portland. [Lindsay Rex]
RENAMED MELBOURNE {MSV10590} CIRCA. LATE 2012 – OR CALICO JACK IN 2010
By late 2012 she is believed to have been renamed Melbourne {MSV10590} . Contrary to other reports, Lindsay Rex makes no mention of the naming of the Towalong as Melbourne {MSV10590 }; conversely he records Towalong being renamed Calico Jack again in June 2010.
2015? - BELIEVED TO BE RE-NAMED LOAM? .
There is reference to the vessel being named Loam but no details are available [Mori Flapan] and hence the date 2015 is an educated guess. There may be a connection with the name of the restaurant LOAM that operated from Murradoc Farm, Drysdale (closed in June 2013).
On 7th September 2017 the vessel was lifted by mobile crane and placed on a low loader. The deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel were removed before the lift [Lindsay Rex]
IN POOR CONDITION - TAKEN TO OAKDENE ESTATE, DRYSDALE
In 2017 Oakdene Estate purchased Murradoc Farm that comprised both an Olive plantation and a vineyard. On 7th September 2017 what is believed to known as Loam , the wooden double ended ex-tug was lifted by mobile crane and placed on a low loader on 7th September 2017 then transported to the Lighthouse Olive Oil farm site at Drysdale, where it was placed on the ground on 11th September 2017 with supporting steelwork. The deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel had been removed before the lift and were then refitted to the hull. The vessel is to become a feature outside the adjoining shed which will be developed as the cellar door for Oakdene Wines. Both businesses and the vessel are owned by Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley. [Source Lindsay Rex]
RE-NAMED MORT BAY BY NEW OWNERS
The owners of Oakdene Estate refer to her by her original name - Mort Bay . The vessel is on hard stand. Recently repainted, she is located at Murradoc Farm, Drysdale.
LOCATION OF MORT BAY - ON MURRADOC FARM - 2024
The Mort Bay is located on the vineyard of Oakdene Estate (previously Murradoc Farm) off Anderson Road, Drysdale - not currently (2024) open to the public.
Acknowledgements : The assistance of Mori Flapan (Mori Flapan boatregister ) by providing access to his extensive database is greatly appreciated.
Image Source : Source:
earth.google.com/web/search/Murradoc+Farm
Image enhancement Philip Pope
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproducedhttps://earth.google.com/web/search/Murradoc+Farm+Drysdale/@-38.19580914,144.6129888,67.7063359a,1912.03735713d,35y,0h,0t,0r/data=CigiJgokCc4AU6-M6zNAEZ2urHKN6zPAGXTHfqFeWEhAIdln03jHSUrAOgMKATA or used in any way without prior written approval.
GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
'MORT BAY' at Drysdale 28 Feb 2021Mort Bay on hard stand. Recently repainted, she is located at Murradoc Farm, Drysdale
MORT BAY (1968 – 2024+)
This information has been published with inputs from Chris Borough, Graham Nicholson and Philip Pope. Much of the information presented here has been provided by Mori Flapan ( www.boatregister.net ) and Lindsay Rex (THE LOG Volume 51, no1, issue 211 – 2018 www.nautical-association.org/ ), without whom this report could not be published. There are numerous gaps and differences between both records. Every effort has been made to best record events and incorporate all information; any corrections or suggestions gratefully received (chrisborough@gmail.com).
The tug Mort Bay was originally built as a fishing vessel by William (Bill) Ryan in Taree in 1968. She was sold shortly after launch and was completed as a tug by late 1969. She had a long history in operation and is now on a plinth in the gardens of Murradoc Farm, Drysdale Victoria. She has had many names and has now reverted to her original name - Mort Bay
DETAILS
Names: Mort Bay , Calico Jack , Towalong , Melbourne {MSV10590} Loam and again Mort Bay
Official Number: 332967
Registration: Sydney 50/1972 - 23rd August 1972.
Launch: Believed to be circa November 1968. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Engines: One 2 stroke Diesel, V12 cylinder – Detroit Diesel Engines 71 Series 359 bhp
Length: 50.65 ft
Breadth: 16.25 ft
Depth in Hold: 8.7 ft
Tonnage: n.b. 1 shipping ton = 100 cubic feet or 2.83 cubic metres
Gross: 44.49 tons
Net (Register): 20.46 tons (57.90 cubic metres)
OWNERS:
1968: George Ross Miller, Sydney – professional fisherman (thought to be original owner).
1968/69: Harbour Lighterage Ltd and was completed in late
1969 (n.b. vessel not registered over the period 1969 – 1972).
1972 - 1992: Rozelle Lighterage and Storage Co. Pty Ltd (wound up 22nd December 1997). Vessel was presumably a subsidiary of Harbour Lighterage Ltd. (now de-listed). 10th Sept 1992 sold by auction at Rozelle Bay for $34,000, one of the fleet of Harbour Lighterage vessels disposed upon closure of company.
1992 – 2000?: John? Aldritt, Coasters Retreat NSW – re-named Calico Jack . [Source Mori Flapan] OR
1992 -2000: Sold to Damian Fitzgerald (nominal owner Sylvia Willis) and re-named Calico Jack . Re-built above deck 2000. [Source Lindsay Rex]
n.b. It is possible that Fitzgerald may have sold to Aldritt shortly after purchase at auction.
2001: unknown owner Redcliffe, Qld .
2002 – 2010 Calico Jack was purchased by Dale Jennings of Portland and on 9th July 2002, re-located to Portland, Victoria; she was renamed Towalong by March 2003 [Source Lindsay Rex].
2010 Towalong renamed Calico Jack [Source Lindsay Rex].
OR
2002 – 2013 Calico Jack purchased by Malcolm Sinclair and renamed Towalong [Source Mori Flapan]
2013 – 2015: Believed to be renamed Melbourne MSV10590 [Source Mori Flapan and others]
2015 – 2024+: Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley. Believed to be renamed Loam. In poor condition, she was purchased by the owner of Murradoc Farm, Drysdale, Victoria and installed as a static display in September 2017. The tug, has been recently re-painted and is now (2024) known as Mort Bay .
INITIAL LIFE
The Mort Bay commenced life as a fishing vessel; she was built by Messrs. W.O. Ryan and Sons (William (Bill) Oscar Ryan) at Browns Creek, Taree. It is believed that she was commissioned by Sydney-based professional fisherman, George Ross Miller, and may have been named Robert M .
LAUNCH
Launch of the Mort Bay into Browns Creek, Taree - a tributary of the Manning River. The launch date was in November 1968. The launch site, including the rails, is still visible at Browns Creek.
After launch, Mort Bay was purchased by Harbour Lighterage Ltd. Circa early 1969 arrangements were made to add the superstructure needed suit her life as a tug.
MORT BAY DEPARTS FOR SYDNEYMort Bay was loaded at the Manning River Co-op Dairy Society Ltd's wharf at Chatham in preparation for her voyage to Sydney via Newcastle.
REGISTERED IN SYDNEY - 1972
The Mort Bay was not registered until 23rd August 1972 - to the Rozelle Lighterage and Storage Co. Pty Ltd. Rozelle Lighterage & Storage may well have been a subsidiary of Harbour Lighterage Ltd.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
As part of the fleet of tugs operating under Harbour Lighterage Ltd., Mort Bay was used constantly on numerous tasks. Her role as a tug terminated and she was sold by auction (for $34,000) at Rozelle on 10th September 1992 when Harbour Lighterage sold its fleet.
1992 PURCHASED AND SOLD TO JOHN? ALDRITT
Mori Flapan records Calico Jack as purchased by Aldritt (John?) in 1992 and sold in 2002. Little is known of her life at Coasters Retreat (Pittwater). She was later sold to Queensland interests – circa 2000.
This is the story of Calico Jack : John Rackham (hanged 18 November 1720), commonly known as Calico Jack, was an English pirate captain operating in the Bahamas and in Cuba during the early 18th century. His nickname was derived from the calico clothing that he wore, while Jack is a nickname for "John".
Rackham was active towards the end (1718–1720) of the "Golden Age of Piracy". He is most remembered for having two female crew members: Mary Read and his lover, Anne Bonny. Rackham deposed Charles Vane from his position as captain of the sloop Ranger, then cruised the Leeward Islands, Jamaica Channel and Windward Passage. He accepted the King's Pardon in 1719 and moved to New Providence, where he met Anne Bonny, who was married to James Bonny at the time. He returned to piracy in 1720 by stealing a British sloop and Anne joined him. Their new crew included Mary Read, who was disguised as a man at the time. After a short run, Rackham was captured by Jonathan Barnet, an English privateer, in 1720, put on trial by Sir Nicholas Lawes, Governor of Jamaica, and hanged in November of that year in Port Royal, Jamaica.
Source - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calico_Jack
Lindsay Rex records Mort Bay was “purchased 10th September 1992 for $34,000 by Damian Fitzgerald (nominal owner Sylvia Willis) and recorded as named Calico Jack by March 2000 (in Port Macquarie)”. It seems possible that Damian Willis sold to Aldritt shortly after purchase. Any further information would be gratefully received.
CALICO JACK RE-LOCATED TO QUEENSLAND IN 20002002 SOLD AND RELOCATED TO PORTLAND – RE-NAMED TOWALONG
In June 2002 Calico Jack was purchased by Dale Jennings of Portland and re-located from Redcliffe in Queensland to Portland in Victoria via Newcastle (9th July 2002). By March 2003 she had been named Towalong [Lindsay Rex]. N.B. Mori Flapan records the owner as Malcolm Sinclair.
From 2002/04 she was displayed at the boat museum Portland, Vic. In late 2005, she was recorded as berthed in the Maribyrnong River, Melbourne [Mori Flapan]. In early 2006 the owner attempted to establish Towalong as a charter vessel in Melbourne but, after two months, the venture was unsuccessful and she was returned to Portland. [Lindsay Rex]
RENAMED MELBOURNE {MSV10590} CIRCA. LATE 2012 – OR CALICO JACK IN 2010
By late 2012 she is believed to have been renamed Melbourne {MSV10590} . Contrary to other reports, Lindsay Rex makes no mention of the naming of the Towalong as Melbourne {MSV10590 }; conversely he records Towalong being renamed Calico Jack again in June 2010.
2015? - BELIEVED TO BE RE-NAMED LOAM? .
There is reference to the vessel being named Loam but no details are available [Mori Flapan] and hence the date 2015 is an educated guess. There may be a connection with the name of the restaurant LOAM that operated from Murradoc Farm, Drysdale (closed in June 2013).
On 7th September 2017 the vessel was lifted by mobile crane and placed on a low loader. The deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel were removed before the lift [Lindsay Rex]
IN POOR CONDITION - TAKEN TO OAKDENE ESTATE, DRYSDALE
In 2017 Oakdene Estate purchased Murradoc Farm that comprised both an Olive plantation and a vineyard. On 7th September 2017 what is believed to known as Loam , the wooden double ended ex-tug was lifted by mobile crane and placed on a low loader on 7th September 2017 then transported to the Lighthouse Olive Oil farm site at Drysdale, where it was placed on the ground on 11th September 2017 with supporting steelwork. The deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel had been removed before the lift and were then refitted to the hull. The vessel is to become a feature outside the adjoining shed which will be developed as the cellar door for Oakdene Wines. Both businesses and the vessel are owned by Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley. [Source Lindsay Rex]
RE-NAMED MORT BAY BY NEW OWNERS
The owners of Oakdene Estate refer to her by her original name - Mort Bay . The vessel is on hard stand. Recently repainted, she is located at Murradoc Farm, Drysdale.
LOCATION OF MORT BAY - ON MURRADOC FARM - 2024
The Mort Bay is located on the vineyard of Oakdene Estate (previously Murradoc Farm) off Anderson Road, Drysdale - not currently (2024) open to the public.
Acknowledgements : The assistance of Mori Flapan (Mori Flapan boatregister ) by providing access to his extensive database is greatly appreciated.
Image Source: Philip Pope - February 2021.
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
South Head, Port Jackson, illustration in The History of Australasia book, McGready, Thomson, & Niven, 1879.
Ross Bridge - Ross - Tasmania - Australia
Ross Bridge - Ross - Tasmania - Australia
'MORT BAY' after arrival at Murradoc Farm 2017Mort Bay was placed on the ground on 11th September 2017 with supporting steelwork. The deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel had been removed before the lift and were then refitted to the hull.
MORT BAY (1968 – 2024+)
This information has been published with inputs from Chris Borough, Graham Nicholson and Philip Pope. Much of the information presented here has been provided by Mori Flapan ( www.boatregister.net ) and Lindsay Rex (THE LOG Volume 51, no1, issue 211 – 2018 www.nautical-association.org/ ), without whom this report could not be published. There are numerous gaps and differences between both records. Every effort has been made to best record events and incorporate all information; any corrections or suggestions gratefully received (chrisborough@gmail.com).
The tug Mort Bay was originally built as a fishing vessel by William (Bill) Ryan in Taree in 1968. She was sold shortly after launch and was completed as a tug by late 1969. She had a long history in operation and is now on a plinth in the gardens of Murradoc Farm, Drysdale Victoria. She has had many names and has now reverted to her original name - Mort Bay
DETAILS
Names: Mort Bay , Calico Jack , Towalong , Melbourne {MSV10590} Loam and again Mort Bay
Official Number: 332967
Registration: Sydney 50/1972 - 23rd August 1972.
Launch: Believed to be circa November 1968. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Engines: One 2 stroke Diesel, V12 cylinder – Detroit Diesel Engines 71 Series 359 bhp
Length: 50.65 ft
Breadth: 16.25 ft
Depth in Hold: 8.7 ft
Tonnage: n.b. 1 shipping ton = 100 cubic feet or 2.83 cubic metres
Gross: 44.49 tons
Net (Register): 20.46 tons (57.90 cubic metres)
OWNERS:
1968: George Ross Miller, Sydney – professional fisherman (thought to be original owner).
1968/69: Harbour Lighterage Ltd and was completed in late
1969 (n.b. vessel not registered over the period 1969 – 1972).
1972 - 1992: Rozelle Lighterage and Storage Co. Pty Ltd (wound up 22nd December 1997). Vessel was presumably a subsidiary of Harbour Lighterage Ltd. (now de-listed). 10th Sept 1992 sold by auction at Rozelle Bay for $34,000, one of the fleet of Harbour Lighterage vessels disposed upon closure of company.
1992 – 2000?: John? Aldritt, Coasters Retreat NSW – re-named Calico Jack . [Source Mori Flapan] OR
1992 -2000: Sold to Damian Fitzgerald (nominal owner Sylvia Willis) and re-named Calico Jack . Re-built above deck 2000. [Source Lindsay Rex]
n.b. It is possible that Fitzgerald may have sold to Aldritt shortly after purchase at auction.
2001: unknown owner Redcliffe, Qld .
2002 – 2010 Calico Jack was purchased by Dale Jennings of Portland and on 9th July 2002, re-located to Portland, Victoria; she was renamed Towalong by March 2003 [Source Lindsay Rex].
2010 Towalong renamed Calico Jack [Source Lindsay Rex].
OR
2002 – 2013 Calico Jack purchased by Malcolm Sinclair and renamed Towalong [Source Mori Flapan]
2013 – 2015: Believed to be renamed Melbourne MSV10590 [Source Mori Flapan and others]
2015 – 2024+: Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley. Believed to be renamed Loam. In poor condition, she was purchased by the owner of Murradoc Farm, Drysdale, Victoria and installed as a static display in September 2017. The tug, has been recently re-painted and is now (2024) known as Mort Bay .
INITIAL LIFE
The Mort Bay commenced life as a fishing vessel; she was built by Messrs. W.O. Ryan and Sons (William (Bill) Oscar Ryan) at Browns Creek, Taree. It is believed that she was commissioned by Sydney-based professional fisherman, George Ross Miller, and may have been named Robert M .
LAUNCH
Launch of the Mort Bay into Browns Creek, Taree - a tributary of the Manning River. The launch date was in November 1968. The launch site, including the rails, is still visible at Browns Creek.
After launch, Mort Bay was purchased by Harbour Lighterage Ltd. Circa early 1969 arrangements were made to add the superstructure needed suit her life as a tug.
MORT BAY DEPARTS FOR SYDNEYMort Bay was loaded at the Manning River Co-op Dairy Society Ltd's wharf at Chatham in preparation for her voyage to Sydney via Newcastle.
REGISTERED IN SYDNEY - 1972
The Mort Bay was not registered until 23rd August 1972 - to the Rozelle Lighterage and Storage Co. Pty Ltd. Rozelle Lighterage & Storage may well have been a subsidiary of Harbour Lighterage Ltd.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
As part of the fleet of tugs operating under Harbour Lighterage Ltd., Mort Bay was used constantly on numerous tasks. Her role as a tug terminated and she was sold by auction (for $34,000) at Rozelle on 10th September 1992 when Harbour Lighterage sold its fleet.
1992 PURCHASED AND SOLD TO JOHN? ALDRITT
Mori Flapan records Calico Jack as purchased by Aldritt (John?) in 1992 and sold in 2002. Little is known of her life at Coasters Retreat (Pittwater). She was later sold to Queensland interests – circa 2000.
This is the story of Calico Jack : John Rackham (hanged 18 November 1720), commonly known as Calico Jack, was an English pirate captain operating in the Bahamas and in Cuba during the early 18th century. His nickname was derived from the calico clothing that he wore, while Jack is a nickname for "John".
Rackham was active towards the end (1718–1720) of the "Golden Age of Piracy". He is most remembered for having two female crew members: Mary Read and his lover, Anne Bonny. Rackham deposed Charles Vane from his position as captain of the sloop Ranger, then cruised the Leeward Islands, Jamaica Channel and Windward Passage. He accepted the King's Pardon in 1719 and moved to New Providence, where he met Anne Bonny, who was married to James Bonny at the time. He returned to piracy in 1720 by stealing a British sloop and Anne joined him. Their new crew included Mary Read, who was disguised as a man at the time. After a short run, Rackham was captured by Jonathan Barnet, an English privateer, in 1720, put on trial by Sir Nicholas Lawes, Governor of Jamaica, and hanged in November of that year in Port Royal, Jamaica.
Source - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calico_Jack
Lindsay Rex records Mort Bay was “purchased 10th September 1992 for $34,000 by Damian Fitzgerald (nominal owner Sylvia Willis) and recorded as named Calico Jack by March 2000 (in Port Macquarie)”. It seems possible that Damian Willis sold to Aldritt shortly after purchase. Any further information would be gratefully received.
CALICO JACK RE-LOCATED TO QUEENSLAND IN 20002002 SOLD AND RELOCATED TO PORTLAND – RE-NAMED TOWALONG
In June 2002 Calico Jack was purchased by Dale Jennings of Portland and re-located from Redcliffe in Queensland to Portland in Victoria via Newcastle (9th July 2002). By March 2003 she had been named Towalong [Lindsay Rex]. N.B. Mori Flapan records the owner as Malcolm Sinclair.
From 2002/04 she was displayed at the boat museum Portland, Vic. In late 2005, she was recorded as berthed in the Maribyrnong River, Melbourne [Mori Flapan]. In early 2006 the owner attempted to establish Towalong as a charter vessel in Melbourne but, after two months, the venture was unsuccessful and she was returned to Portland. [Lindsay Rex]
RENAMED MELBOURNE {MSV10590} CIRCA. LATE 2012 – OR CALICO JACK IN 2010
By late 2012 she is believed to have been renamed Melbourne {MSV10590} . Contrary to other reports, Lindsay Rex makes no mention of the naming of the Towalong as Melbourne {MSV10590 }; conversely he records Towalong being renamed Calico Jack again in June 2010.
2015? - BELIEVED TO BE RE-NAMED LOAM? .
There is reference to the vessel being named Loam but no details are available [Mori Flapan] and hence the date 2015 is an educated guess. There may be a connection with the name of the restaurant LOAM that operated from Murradoc Farm, Drysdale (closed in June 2013).
On 7th September 2017 the vessel was lifted by mobile crane and placed on a low loader. The deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel were removed before the lift [Lindsay Rex]
IN POOR CONDITION - TAKEN TO OAKDENE ESTATE, DRYSDALE
In 2017 Oakdene Estate purchased Murradoc Farm that comprised both an Olive plantation and a vineyard. On 7th September 2017 what is believed to known as Loam , the wooden double ended ex-tug was lifted by mobile crane and placed on a low loader on 7th September 2017 then transported to the Lighthouse Olive Oil farm site at Drysdale, where it was placed on the ground on 11th September 2017 with supporting steelwork. The deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel had been removed before the lift and were then refitted to the hull. The vessel is to become a feature outside the adjoining shed which will be developed as the cellar door for Oakdene Wines. Both businesses and the vessel are owned by Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley. [Source Lindsay Rex]
RE-NAMED MORT BAY BY NEW OWNERS
The owners of Oakdene Estate refer to her by her original name - Mort Bay . The vessel is on hard stand. Recently repainted, she is located at Murradoc Farm, Drysdale.
LOCATION OF MORT BAY - ON MURRADOC FARM - 2024
The Mort Bay is located on the vineyard of Oakdene Estate (previously Murradoc Farm) off Anderson Road, Drysdale - not currently (2024) open to the public.
Acknowledgements : The assistance of Mori Flapan (Mori Flapan boatregister ) by providing access to his extensive database is greatly appreciated.
Image Source: Philip Pope
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
'LOAM' 2017 Deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel removedThis information has been published with inputs from Chris Borough, Graham Nicholson and Philip Pope. Much of the information presented here has been provided by Mori Flapan ( www.boatregister.net ) and Lindsay Rex (THE LOG Volume 51, no1, issue 211 – 2018 www.nautical-association.org/ ), without whom this report could not be published. There are numerous gaps and differences between both records. Every effort has been made to best record events and incorporate all information; any corrections or suggestions gratefully received (chrisborough@gmail.com).
The tug Mort Bay was originally built as a fishing vessel by William (Bill) Ryan in Taree in 1968. She was sold shortly after launch and was completed as a tug by late 1969. She had a long history in operation and is now on a plinth in the gardens of Murradoc Farm, Drysdale Victoria. She has had many names and has now reverted to her original name - Mort Bay
DETAILS
Names: Mort Bay , Calico Jack , Towalong , Melbourne {MSV10590} Loam and again Mort Bay
Official Number: 332967
Registration: Sydney 50/1972 - 23rd August 1972.
Launch: Believed to be circa November 1968. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Engines: One 2 stroke Diesel, V12 cylinder – Detroit Diesel Engines 71 Series 359 bhp
Length: 50.65 ft
Breadth: 16.25 ft
Depth in Hold: 8.7 ft
Tonnage: n.b. 1 shipping ton = 100 cubic feet or 2.83 cubic metres
Gross: 44.49 tons
Net (Register): 20.46 tons (57.90 cubic metres)
OWNERS:
1968: George Ross Miller, Sydney – professional fisherman (thought to be original owner).
1968/69: Harbour Lighterage Ltd and was completed in late
1969 (n.b. vessel not registered over the period 1969 – 1972).
1972 - 1992: Rozelle Lighterage and Storage Co. Pty Ltd (wound up 22nd December 1997). Vessel was presumably a subsidiary of Harbour Lighterage Ltd. (now de-listed). 10th Sept 1992 sold by auction at Rozelle Bay for $34,000, one of the fleet of Harbour Lighterage vessels disposed upon closure of company.
1992 – 2000?: John? Aldritt, Coasters Retreat NSW – re-named Calico Jack . [Source Mori Flapan] OR
1992 -2000: Sold to Damian Fitzgerald (nominal owner Sylvia Willis) and re-named Calico Jack . Re-built above deck 2000. [Source Lindsay Rex]
n.b. It is possible that Fitzgerald may have sold to Aldritt shortly after purchase at auction.
2001: unknown owner Redcliffe, Qld .
2002 – 2010 Calico Jack was purchased by Dale Jennings of Portland and on 9th July 2002, re-located to Portland, Victoria; she was renamed Towalong by March 2003 [Source Lindsay Rex].
2010 Towalong renamed Calico Jack [Source Lindsay Rex].
OR
2002 – 2013 Calico Jack purchased by Malcolm Sinclair and renamed Towalong [Source Mori Flapan]
2013 – 2015: Believed to be renamed Melbourne MSV10590 [Source Mori Flapan and others]
2015 – 2024+: Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley. Believed to be renamed Loam. In poor condition, she was purchased by the owner of Murradoc Farm, Drysdale, Victoria and installed as a static display in September 2017. The tug, has been recently re-painted and is now (2024) known as Mort Bay .
INITIAL LIFE
The Mort Bay commenced life as a fishing vessel; she was built by Messrs. W.O. Ryan and Sons (William (Bill) Oscar Ryan) at Browns Creek, Taree. It is believed that she was commissioned by Sydney-based professional fisherman, George Ross Miller, and may have been named Robert M .
LAUNCH
Launch of the Mort Bay into Browns Creek, Taree - a tributary of the Manning River. The launch date was in November 1968. The launch site, including the rails, is still visible at Browns Creek.
After launch, Mort Bay was purchased by Harbour Lighterage Ltd. Circa early 1969 arrangements were made to add the superstructure needed suit her life as a tug.
MORT BAY DEPARTS FOR SYDNEYMort Bay was loaded at the Manning River Co-op Dairy Society Ltd's wharf at Chatham in preparation for her voyage to Sydney via Newcastle.
REGISTERED IN SYDNEY - 1972
The Mort Bay was not registered until 23rd August 1972 - to the Rozelle Lighterage and Storage Co. Pty Ltd. Rozelle Lighterage & Storage may well have been a subsidiary of Harbour Lighterage Ltd.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
As part of the fleet of tugs operating under Harbour Lighterage Ltd., Mort Bay was used constantly on numerous tasks. Her role as a tug terminated and she was sold by auction (for $34,000) at Rozelle on 10th September 1992 when Harbour Lighterage sold its fleet.
1992 PURCHASED AND SOLD TO JOHN? ALDRITT
Mori Flapan records Calico Jack as purchased by Aldritt (John?) in 1992 and sold in 2002. Little is known of her life at Coasters Retreat (Pittwater). She was later sold to Queensland interests – circa 2000.
This is the story of Calico Jack : John Rackham (hanged 18 November 1720), commonly known as Calico Jack, was an English pirate captain operating in the Bahamas and in Cuba during the early 18th century. His nickname was derived from the calico clothing that he wore, while Jack is a nickname for "John".
Rackham was active towards the end (1718–1720) of the "Golden Age of Piracy". He is most remembered for having two female crew members: Mary Read and his lover, Anne Bonny. Rackham deposed Charles Vane from his position as captain of the sloop Ranger, then cruised the Leeward Islands, Jamaica Channel and Windward Passage. He accepted the King's Pardon in 1719 and moved to New Providence, where he met Anne Bonny, who was married to James Bonny at the time. He returned to piracy in 1720 by stealing a British sloop and Anne joined him. Their new crew included Mary Read, who was disguised as a man at the time. After a short run, Rackham was captured by Jonathan Barnet, an English privateer, in 1720, put on trial by Sir Nicholas Lawes, Governor of Jamaica, and hanged in November of that year in Port Royal, Jamaica.
Source - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calico_Jack
Lindsay Rex records Mort Bay was “purchased 10th September 1992 for $34,000 by Damian Fitzgerald (nominal owner Sylvia Willis) and recorded as named Calico Jack by March 2000 (in Port Macquarie)”. It seems possible that Damian Willis sold to Aldritt shortly after purchase. Any further information would be gratefully received.
CALICO JACK RE-LOCATED TO QUEENSLAND IN 20002002 SOLD AND RELOCATED TO PORTLAND – RE-NAMED TOWALONG
In June 2002 Calico Jack was purchased by Dale Jennings of Portland and re-located from Redcliffe in Queensland to Portland in Victoria via Newcastle (9th July 2002). By March 2003 she had been named Towalong [Lindsay Rex]. N.B. Mori Flapan records the owner as Malcolm Sinclair.
From 2002/04 she was displayed at the boat museum Portland, Vic. In late 2005, she was recorded as berthed in the Maribyrnong River, Melbourne [Mori Flapan]. In early 2006 the owner attempted to establish Towalong as a charter vessel in Melbourne but, after two months, the venture was unsuccessful and she was returned to Portland. [Lindsay Rex]
RENAMED MELBOURNE {MSV10590} CIRCA. LATE 2012 – OR CALICO JACK IN 2010
By late 2012 she is believed to have been renamed Melbourne {MSV10590} . Contrary to other reports, Lindsay Rex makes no mention of the naming of the Towalong as Melbourne {MSV10590 }; conversely he records Towalong being renamed Calico Jack again in June 2010.
2015? - BELIEVED TO BE RE-NAMED LOAM? .
There is reference to the vessel being named Loam but no details are available [Mori Flapan] and hence the date 2015 is an educated guess. There may be a connection with the name of the restaurant LOAM that operated from Murradoc Farm, Drysdale (closed in June 2013).
On 7th September 2017 the vessel was lifted by mobile crane and placed on a low loader. The deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel were removed before the lift [Lindsay Rex]
IN POOR CONDITION - TAKEN TO OAKDENE ESTATE, DRYSDALE
In 2017 Oakdene Estate purchased Murradoc Farm that comprised both an Olive plantation and a vineyard. On 7th September 2017 what is believed to known as Loam , the wooden double ended ex-tug was lifted by mobile crane and placed on a low loader on 7th September 2017 then transported to the Lighthouse Olive Oil farm site at Drysdale, where it was placed on the ground on 11th September 2017 with supporting steelwork. The deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel had been removed before the lift and were then refitted to the hull. The vessel is to become a feature outside the adjoining shed which will be developed as the cellar door for Oakdene Wines. Both businesses and the vessel are owned by Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley. [Source Lindsay Rex]
RE-NAMED MORT BAY BY NEW OWNERS
The owners of Oakdene Estate refer to her by her original name - Mort Bay . The vessel is on hard stand. Recently repainted, she is located at Murradoc Farm, Drysdale.
LOCATION OF MORT BAY - ON MURRADOC FARM - 2024
The Mort Bay is located on the vineyard of Oakdene Estate (previously Murradoc Farm) off Anderson Road, Drysdale - not currently (2024) open to the public.
Acknowledgements : The assistance of Mori Flapan (Mori Flapan boatregister ) by providing access to his extensive database is greatly appreciated.
Image Source : unknown
Text : - Lindsay Rex February 4th 2006. extracted from THE LOG. Volume 51, no1, issue 211 - 2018. www.nautical-association.org/the-log
Image enhancement Philip Pope
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
'TOWALONG' February 2006 at WilliamstownTowalong on the Maribyrnong River (Melbourne) in 2006. In early 2006 the owner attempted to establish Towalong as a charter vessel in Melbourne but, after two months, the venture was unsuccessful and she was returned to Portland.
This information has been published with inputs from Chris Borough, Graham Nicholson and Philip Pope. Much of the information presented here has been provided by Mori Flapan ( www.boatregister.net ) and Lindsay Rex (THE LOG Volume 51, no1, issue 211 – 2018 www.nautical-association.org/ ), without whom this report could not be published. There are numerous gaps and differences between both records. Every effort has been made to best record events and incorporate all information; any corrections or suggestions gratefully received (chrisborough@gmail.com).
The tug Mort Bay was originally built as a fishing vessel by William (Bill) Ryan in Taree in 1968. She was sold shortly after launch and was completed as a tug by late 1969. She had a long history in operation and is now on a plinth in the gardens of Murradoc Farm, Drysdale Victoria. She has had many names and has now reverted to her original name - Mort Bay
DETAILS
Names: Mort Bay , Calico Jack , Towalong , Melbourne {MSV10590} Loam and again Mort Bay
Official Number: 332967
Registration: Sydney 50/1972 - 23rd August 1972.
Launch: Believed to be circa November 1968. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Engines: One 2 stroke Diesel, V12 cylinder – Detroit Diesel Engines 71 Series 359 bhp
Length: 50.65 ft
Breadth: 16.25 ft
Depth in Hold: 8.7 ft
Tonnage: n.b. 1 shipping ton = 100 cubic feet or 2.83 cubic metres
Gross: 44.49 tons
Net (Register): 20.46 tons (57.90 cubic metres)
OWNERS:
1968: George Ross Miller, Sydney – professional fisherman (thought to be original owner).
1968/69: Harbour Lighterage Ltd and was completed in late
1969 (n.b. vessel not registered over the period 1969 – 1972).
1972 - 1992: Rozelle Lighterage and Storage Co. Pty Ltd (wound up 22nd December 1997). Vessel was presumably a subsidiary of Harbour Lighterage Ltd. (now de-listed). 10th Sept 1992 sold by auction at Rozelle Bay for $34,000, one of the fleet of Harbour Lighterage vessels disposed upon closure of company.
1992 – 2000?: John? Aldritt, Coasters Retreat NSW – re-named Calico Jack . [Source Mori Flapan] OR
1992 -2000: Sold to Damian Fitzgerald (nominal owner Sylvia Willis) and re-named Calico Jack . Re-built above deck 2000. [Source Lindsay Rex]
n.b. It is possible that Fitzgerald may have sold to Aldritt shortly after purchase at auction.
2001: unknown owner Redcliffe, Qld .
2002 – 2010 Calico Jack was purchased by Dale Jennings of Portland and on 9th July 2002, re-located to Portland, Victoria; she was renamed Towalong by March 2003 [Source Lindsay Rex].
2010 Towalong renamed Calico Jack [Source Lindsay Rex].
OR
2002 – 2013 Calico Jack purchased by Malcolm Sinclair and renamed Towalong [Source Mori Flapan]
2013 – 2015: Believed to be renamed Melbourne MSV10590 [Source Mori Flapan and others]
2015 – 2024+: Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley. Believed to be renamed Loam. In poor condition, she was purchased by the owner of Murradoc Farm, Drysdale, Victoria and installed as a static display in September 2017. The tug, has been recently re-painted and is now (2024) known as Mort Bay .
INITIAL LIFE
The Mort Bay commenced life as a fishing vessel; she was built by Messrs. W.O. Ryan and Sons (William (Bill) Oscar Ryan) at Browns Creek, Taree. It is believed that she was commissioned by Sydney-based professional fisherman, George Ross Miller, and may have been named Robert M .
LAUNCH
Launch of the Mort Bay into Browns Creek, Taree - a tributary of the Manning River. The launch date was in November 1968. The launch site, including the rails, is still visible at Browns Creek.
After launch, Mort Bay was purchased by Harbour Lighterage Ltd. Circa early 1969 arrangements were made to add the superstructure needed suit her life as a tug.
MORT BAY DEPARTS FOR SYDNEYMort Bay was loaded at the Manning River Co-op Dairy Society Ltd's wharf at Chatham in preparation for her voyage to Sydney via Newcastle.
REGISTERED IN SYDNEY - 1972
The Mort Bay was not registered until 23rd August 1972 - to the Rozelle Lighterage and Storage Co. Pty Ltd. Rozelle Lighterage & Storage may well have been a subsidiary of Harbour Lighterage Ltd.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
As part of the fleet of tugs operating under Harbour Lighterage Ltd., Mort Bay was used constantly on numerous tasks. Her role as a tug terminated and she was sold by auction (for $34,000) at Rozelle on 10th September 1992 when Harbour Lighterage sold its fleet.
1992 PURCHASED AND SOLD TO JOHN? ALDRITT
Mori Flapan records Calico Jack as purchased by Aldritt (John?) in 1992 and sold in 2002. Little is known of her life at Coasters Retreat (Pittwater). She was later sold to Queensland interests – circa 2000.
This is the story of Calico Jack : John Rackham (hanged 18 November 1720), commonly known as Calico Jack, was an English pirate captain operating in the Bahamas and in Cuba during the early 18th century. His nickname was derived from the calico clothing that he wore, while Jack is a nickname for "John".
Rackham was active towards the end (1718–1720) of the "Golden Age of Piracy". He is most remembered for having two female crew members: Mary Read and his lover, Anne Bonny. Rackham deposed Charles Vane from his position as captain of the sloop Ranger, then cruised the Leeward Islands, Jamaica Channel and Windward Passage. He accepted the King's Pardon in 1719 and moved to New Providence, where he met Anne Bonny, who was married to James Bonny at the time. He returned to piracy in 1720 by stealing a British sloop and Anne joined him. Their new crew included Mary Read, who was disguised as a man at the time. After a short run, Rackham was captured by Jonathan Barnet, an English privateer, in 1720, put on trial by Sir Nicholas Lawes, Governor of Jamaica, and hanged in November of that year in Port Royal, Jamaica.
Source - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calico_Jack
Lindsay Rex records Mort Bay was “purchased 10th September 1992 for $34,000 by Damian Fitzgerald (nominal owner Sylvia Willis) and recorded as named Calico Jack by March 2000 (in Port Macquarie)”. It seems possible that Damian Willis sold to Aldritt shortly after purchase. Any further information would be gratefully received.
CALICO JACK RE-LOCATED TO QUEENSLAND IN 20002002 SOLD AND RELOCATED TO PORTLAND – RE-NAMED TOWALONG
In June 2002 Calico Jack was purchased by Dale Jennings of Portland and re-located from Redcliffe in Queensland to Portland in Victoria via Newcastle (9th July 2002). By March 2003 she had been named Towalong [Lindsay Rex]. N.B. Mori Flapan records the owner as Malcolm Sinclair.
From 2002/04 she was displayed at the boat museum Portland, Vic. In late 2005, she was recorded as berthed in the Maribyrnong River, Melbourne [Mori Flapan]. In early 2006 the owner attempted to establish Towalong as a charter vessel in Melbourne but, after two months, the venture was unsuccessful and she was returned to Portland. [Lindsay Rex]
RENAMED MELBOURNE {MSV10590} CIRCA. LATE 2012 – OR CALICO JACK IN 2010
By late 2012 she is believed to have been renamed Melbourne {MSV10590} . Contrary to other reports, Lindsay Rex makes no mention of the naming of the Towalong as Melbourne {MSV10590 }; conversely he records Towalong being renamed Calico Jack again in June 2010.
2015? - BELIEVED TO BE RE-NAMED LOAM? .
There is reference to the vessel being named Loam but no details are available [Mori Flapan] and hence the date 2015 is an educated guess. There may be a connection with the name of the restaurant LOAM that operated from Murradoc Farm, Drysdale (closed in June 2013).
On 7th September 2017 the vessel was lifted by mobile crane and placed on a low loader. The deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel were removed before the lift [Lindsay Rex]
IN POOR CONDITION - TAKEN TO OAKDENE ESTATE, DRYSDALE
In 2017 Oakdene Estate purchased Murradoc Farm that comprised both an Olive plantation and a vineyard. On 7th September 2017 what is believed to known as Loam , the wooden double ended ex-tug was lifted by mobile crane and placed on a low loader on 7th September 2017 then transported to the Lighthouse Olive Oil farm site at Drysdale, where it was placed on the ground on 11th September 2017 with supporting steelwork. The deckhouse, raised wheelhouse and funnel had been removed before the lift and were then refitted to the hull. The vessel is to become a feature outside the adjoining shed which will be developed as the cellar door for Oakdene Wines. Both businesses and the vessel are owned by Bernard and Elizabeth Hooley. [Source Lindsay Rex]
RE-NAMED MORT BAY BY NEW OWNERS
The owners of Oakdene Estate refer to her by her original name - Mort Bay . The vessel is on hard stand. Recently repainted, she is located at Murradoc Farm, Drysdale.
LOCATION OF MORT BAY - ON MURRADOC FARM - 2024
The Mort Bay is located on the vineyard of Oakdene Estate (previously Murradoc Farm) off Anderson Road, Drysdale - not currently (2024) open to the public.
Acknowledgements : The assistance of Mori Flapan (Mori Flapan boatregister ) by providing access to his extensive database is greatly appreciated.
Image Source : Lindsay Rex February 4th 2006. The image and related text have been extracted from THE LOG. Volume 51, no1, issue 211 - 2018. www.nautical-association.org/the-log
Image Source :
Image enhancement Philip Pope
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
