Port of registry Sydney Out of service 22 January 1984 Tonnage 98,880 kg | Builder Morrison & Sinclair Launched 1913 | |
Name MV Karrabee
formerly SS Karrabee Operator Sydney Ferries Limited
Sydney Harbour Transport Board
Public Transport Commission
Urban Transit Authority Fate Broken up November 2005 | ||
The MV Karrabee (formerly SS Karrabee) was a ferry operated by Sydney Ferries Limited and its successors on Sydney Harbour from 1913 until 1984.
History
The Karrabee was built by Morrison & Sinclair, Balmain for Sydney Ferries Limited, being launched in 1913. In 1936, it was converted from steam to diesel-electric power, the first of the fleet converted. The steam engine is currently in the custody of the Powerhouse Museum.
On 22 January 1984, the Karrabee began taking water after competing in the annual Great Ferry Race. After disembarking its passengers, it sank at Circular Quay. It had just returned from an overhaul at the Urban Transit Authority's Balmain yard. It was raised two days later by the floating crane Titan and laid up while investigations into the sinking took place. Ultimately the cause of the sinking was found to be a buildup of rubbish around the bilge pump inlet and this severely restricted the ability of the pumps to clear the water.
In May 1986, it was sold and towed to Gosford for conversion into a floating restaurant. Its condition deteriorated and in 2003 settled into the mud at the wharf. In November 2005, it was broken up in place and there is some evidence that her upper structure was relocated to Kulnura.