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Baragoola

Coordinates:33°50′41″S151°11′35″E/ 33.844695°S 151.193067°E/-33.844695; 151.193067
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Crossing theSydney Heads,1974
History
Australia
Name
  • MVBaragoola
  • formerly SSBaragoola
OwnerBaragoola Preservation Association Incorporated
Operator
Port of registrySydney
RouteManly
BuilderMort's Dock
Cost£80,000[1]
Yard number41
Launched14 February 1922
Maiden voyage3 September 1922
Out of service8 January 1983
IdentificationIMO number:5036145
FateSank on 1 January 2022 and scrapped
General characteristics
TypeFerry
Tonnage498GRT
Length60.92 m (199 ft 10 in)
Beam10.30 m (33 ft 10 in)
Draught3.75 m (12 ft 4 in)
Decks2
Installed power4 ×English Electric7SKM diesels
Speed16knots(30 km/h; 18 mph)
Capacity1,523 passengers
Crew11 (as SS), 7 (as MV)

MVBaragoolawas aferryformerly operated by thePort Jackson & Manly Steamship Companyand its successors on theManly service.

The sixth and final of theBinngarra-type Manly ferries, the vessel entered service in 1922. Built with a triple-expansion steam engine, she was converted to diesel-electric propulsion in 1961. Since its decommissioning as a ferry in 1983, the vessel had a number of owners who attempted to find a new role and restore it. In 2003, it was laid up atBalls Head Bayon the north side ofSydney Harbouras attempts to restore the vessel continued. However, in January 2022, she sank at her mooring alongside theBalls Head Coal Loader,with the decision then made that the vessel would be scrapped.

Baragoolais an Australian Aboriginal word for "flood tide".[2]

Background

[edit]
Kuring-gai(1901) was the forerunner to the "Bingarra-type" vessels includingBaragoola.Note the wheel houses located midships compared toBaragoola's at the ends of the sun deck.

ThePort Jackson & Manly Steamship Company's fleet transitioned comparatively late to screw-propelled vessels and the fleet comprised mostlypaddle steamersuntil the early years of the twentieth century. The difficulty of turning in the narrow bays ofSydney Harbour- particularly in the busy Circular Quay terminus inSydney Cove- required the use of double-ended vessels. However, a double-ended screw configuration was particularly difficult for the finebowsthat Manly ferries required for both speed and heavy seas. Further, a propeller at the leading forward end of a vessel reduced speed considerably. In the prosperous early twentieth century, this speed drawback was overcome by increasing engine size and power.

The first screw ferries on the Manly run were two innovativeWalter Reeks–designed vessels; theSSManly(1896), andSSKuring-gai(1901), which were to become the fore-runners of theBinngarra-class ferries. They both had highforecastlesat either end to help her run through the deep-sea conditions across theSydney Heads.The steel-hulledKuring-gaiwas larger and she further refined the basic design to be similar to the subsequent and largerBinngarra-class vessels.ManlyandKuring-gaihad both followed paddle steamer design with theirbridgesaround the midshipsfunnels.Whereas theBinngarra-class vessels would have their wheelhouses at either end of their promenade decks.

The Port Jackson & Manly Steamship Company'sBinngarra-class ferries,Binngarra(1905),Burra-Bra(1908),Bellubera(1910),Balgowlah(1912),Barrenjoey(1913), andBaragoola(1922), were designed byMort's Dock and Engineering,initially under the guidance of former chief draughtsman Andrew Christie. The first five were built at Mort'sWoolwichyard andBaragoolawas built at theBalmainyard. They were among the largest ships built in Australian yards at the time and, on the admission of Mort's executives, were built by the dock more for prestige than profit. Build costs were higher in Australia than in the United Kingdom, but this was offset by the cost of sailing them out to Australia.

Design and construction

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As a new ferry, performing sea trials in 1922

Baragoolawas built at the Balmain yard ofMort's Dock.She was launched on 14 February 1922 by Mrs Hunter McPherson, the wife of the owning company's chairman of directors.[1][3]

She was the sixth and finalBinngarratype vessel.[4][1][5]Although 6 metres (19 ft 8 in) shorter and with a greaterbeam(width at its widest point), she was otherwise similar to her older sister shipsBinngarra(1905),Burra-bra(1908),Bellubera(1910),Balgowlah(1912), andBarrenjoey(1913 - laterNorth Head).[6]She cost £80,000 compared to £32,000 forBarrenjoeyin 1913 and £29,000 forBalgowlahin 1912.[1]The quickly rising cost of Australia-built ships led the Port Jackson Company to order their next vessels,Dee WhyandCurl Curl,from the United Kingdom.[1]

Baragoolais 498 tons and 60.7 metres (199 ft 2 in) long. As built, the vessel was powered by a three-cylindertriple expansion steam enginewith cylinder diameters of 18 inches (46 cm), 28 in (71 cm), and 47.5 in (121 cm), with 27 in (69 cm) stroke, developing 1,300indicated horsepower(970kilowatts). It had two marine horizontal multitubular (navy type) boilers. Duringacceptance trialson 11 August 1922, she achieved an average speed of 14.7knots(27.2 km/h; 16.9 mph) in 6 runs, with one maximum of 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph), over the measured mile. While this exceeded the contracted speed requirements, she was slower than her sister ships, and earning the name 'slow boat' due to her being 6 metres shorter and of greater beam.[3][7]As a steamship her working speed was 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph). She can be distinguished from her older near-sisters by the rounded (vs. square) ends of the sun deck around each wheelhouse.[1]

The layout ofBaragoola'spublic spaces was typical of Manly ferries built until 1938. In her original open upper deck configuration, she had a summer capacity of 1,218 passengers, and a winter capacity of 926. Following her upper-decks being enclosed in the early 1930s, her capacity was 1,523 passengers. On the lower deck, aft, was a segregated Ladies Saloon with toilets, a main cabin and forward was a smoking saloon (usually reserved for men) with external toilets. This area also contained the original Mail Room and was the site of the later crew's mess. The internal hull arrangement has two void spaces at either end, a hold immediately aft of the forward void, the engine room behind the hold connected to the control room and (second from the aft) a compartment that contains batteries, auxiliary diesel tank, fresh water tank and the Engineer's Quarters.

She was fitted with electro-hydraulic steering equipment after World War II which replaced her earlier chain steering.[8]

In 1961, the vessel was converted todiesel-electricand her tall funnel replaced with one short and squat. FourBritish Thomson-Houston7-cylinder diesels were installed, generating a total of 2,000bhp(1,500 kW), and driving two newEnglish Electricelectric engines, enabling her to achieve 16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph).[9][7]These engines are the only remaining operational ones of their type, having only ever been installed in three Manly ferries.[citation needed]The large steam ferry,Curl Curlwas retired whenBaragoolawas recommissioned following her diesel-electric conversion.

  • Being launched, 1922
    Being launched, 1922
  • Crossing Sydney Heads early 1930s, after her wheelhouses were extended to provide officer accommodation
    CrossingSydney Headsearly 1930s, after her wheelhouses were extended to provide officer accommodation
  • With her enclosed upper deck. Leaving Circular Quay, 1937.
    With her enclosed upper deck. Leaving Circular Quay, 1937.
  • At Manly Wharf in 1951 as a steamer, showing the rebuild in the 1940s and full extension of her wheelhouses.
    At Manly Wharf in 1951 as a steamer, showing the rebuild in the 1940s and full extension of her wheelhouses.

Ferry service

[edit]

Baragoolaentered service on 3 September 1922.[1]

Baragoolawas involved in a number of collisions while in service. On Christmas Eve 1926, offKirribilliPoint, she collided with theSydney Ferries Limited'sKosciusko.[10]On 12 September 1927,Baragoolaran down a lifeboat from the French steamerVille D'Amiens,five people were thrown out of the lifeboat, one of whom was hospitalised.[11]The people were rescued by two fishing trawlers in the vicinity and the lifeboat was severely damaged. On 28 August 1934,Baragoolastruck and killed a whale. The event was widely reported in the media when the disposal of the corpse took multiple attempts over nine days.[12]

Like her sisters,BelluberaandBarrenjoey,Baragoola's open upper deck was closed-in in 1931/2, improving passenger amenities. At this time, she was modified to trial pulverised coal, however, this was stopped when the vessel and passengers were being showered in coal dust.[citation needed]

Between 8 March and 3 August 1939,Baragoolawas converted to an oil burner using tar under natural draught, like theCurl Curl,Dee WhyandSouth Steyne.Improved propellers were fitted at this time.[1]The conversion to oil firing was reversed due to oil shortages during the war, however, with coal bunkers having been previously replaced by oil tanks, she could only make a couple of trips per day and she smoked badly without forced draft being available.[3]Modifications in 1948 included the replacement of her chain-operated steering gear with Brown Brothers (later known asVickers) hydraulic equipment.[citation needed]In 1958,Baragoolawas withdrawn for a rebuild including the replacement of its steam engines withEnglish Electric7SKM diesel-electric engines. It returned to service in 1961. In 1973 and loaded with sight-seers, she took part in the on-Harbour celebrations for the opening of theSydney Opera House.[3]

Baragoolawas included in the sale of Port Jackson & Manly Steamship Company toBramblesin April 1972. It had a re-fit in 1974.[13]In December 1974, the Manly service was taken over by the NSW State Government and her traditional Manly ferry colours of green, cream and brown were replaced by thePublic Transport Commission's blue and white.[4][1][14][15]Following the 1982 delivery of theFreshwater,Baragoolawas withdrawn on 8 January 1983 gaining significant media coverage.[citation needed]A second new ferry,Queenscliff,entered service in 1983, several years after which, the agingNorth Headwas retired from service.

  • At Manly, 1940
    At Manly, 1940
  • At Manly (left), 1930s
    At Manly (left), 1930s
  • Crossing Sydney Heads with North Head in the background. As a Brambles Limited ferry, 1974.
    Crossing Sydney Heads withNorth Headin the background. As aBrambles Limitedferry, 1974.
  • Late in her career, 1973
    Late in her career, 1973

Post service life

[edit]

Baragoolawas sold to Bob Hyde for use as an open university. The university never eventuated, and she was laid up atRozelle Bayuntil 1988 when she was sold to David Ashton of Waterview Wharf,Balmain.[5]In late 2003, she was evicted[who?]from Waterview Wharf and relocated to the Coal Loader inBalls Head Bay.

In 2009, following a period of animosity fromNSW Maritime,Ashton offered the vessel for sale by auction and she passed into ownership of Adrian Thompson, who considered scrapping the vessel.[16]In March 2010,Baragoolawas sold to the Baragoola Preservation Association, a not for profit organisation who intended to restore the vessel.[17]

AnAustralian Armytraining activity withBlack Hawkhelicopters and the adjacently-mooredCape Dondamaged the vessel's upper works on 1 December 2010.[18]The vessel is listed on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels.[19]

During the evening of 1 January 2022, the ferry sank at its moorings before assistance to help pump water out of the vessel could arrive. Two squatters were on board and left the vessel before she sank. The ferry settled partially above water.[20]Transport for NSWdeclared the ferry unable to be refloated and the decision was made to scrap her.[21]

Salvage and recycling

[edit]

Birdon Pty Limited salvaged Baragoola from Sydney Harbour and cleared the berth pocket of vessel debris. Baragoola was cut into approximately 16 sections and lifted to the Birdon Barge "Pelican". "Pelican" was then unloaded at White Bay, where the sections were cut using excavator-mounted hydraulic shears before being removed from site.

  • In her final months of service alongside her replacement, the then new Freshwater, 1982
    In her final months of service alongside her replacement, the then newFreshwater,1982
  • Main cabin, 2012
    Main cabin, 2012
  • At Balls Head, 2012
    At Balls Head, 2012
  • The morning after her sinking, 2 January 2022
    The morning after her sinking, 2 January 2022

See also

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References

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  1. ^abcdefghiManly Ferries Balgowlah, Barrenjoey & BaragoolaHistory Works December 2007
  2. ^"Baragoola-Travesty & Tragedy"(PDF).savethebaragoola.Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 25 March 2012.Retrieved2 January2022– via web.archive.org.
  3. ^abcdAndrews, Graeme (1982).A Pictorial History of Ferries: Sydney and Surrounding Waterways.Sydney: AH & AW Reed Pty Ltd. pp. 44, 45.ISBN0589503863.
  4. ^abBaragoolaFerries of Sydney
  5. ^abMead, Tom (1988).Manly Ferries of Sydney Harbour.Brookvale: Child & Associates. p. 165.ISBN0-86777-091-0.
  6. ^Gunter, John (1978).Across The Harbour: The Story of Sydney's Ferries.Rigby Ltd. p. 22.ISBN0727007157.
  7. ^abAndrews, Graeme (1975).The Ferries of Sydney.A.H. & A.W. Reed Pty Ltd. p. 48.ISBN0589071726.
  8. ^"The Manly Ferry"(PDF).A.M. Prescott.Retrieved25 June2011.
  9. ^Prescott, AM (1984).Sydney Ferry Fleet.Magill South Australia: Ronald H Parsons. p. 59.ISBN0909418306.
  10. ^Marine CourtSydney Morning Herald10 February 1927
  11. ^Ferry Boat and Skiff Collide in Sydney HarbourSydney Morning Herald13 September 1927
  12. ^"Collision With Whale"(Scanned text).The Mercury.Hobart. 29 August 1934. p. 16.Retrieved2 January2022– via Trove.
  13. ^Andrews, Graeme (1975).The Ferries of Sydney.A.H. & A.W. Reed Pty Ltd. p. 47.ISBN0589071726.
  14. ^tHansard 13 November 1974Archived21 May 2015 at theWayback MachineNew South Wales Legislative Assembly
  15. ^Andrews, Graeme (1982).A Pictorial History of Ferries: Sydney and Surrounding Waterways.Sydney: AH & AW Reed Pty Ltd. p. 114.ISBN0589503863.
  16. ^Baragoola - Triumph & TragedyDavid Ashton 2010
  17. ^Baragoola Restoration Steams AheadManly Daily28 September 2010
  18. ^Black Hawk down draught - veteran ferry cops a blastThe Daily Advertiser2 December 2010
  19. ^"Baragoola".arhv.sea.museum.Australian National Maritime Museum.2018.Retrieved2 January2022.
  20. ^"Historic former Manly ferry sinks in Sydney Harbour".Sydney Morning Herald.2 January 2022.Retrieved2 January2022.
  21. ^Gorrey, Megan (4 January 2022)."The race to pull the wreck of the Baragoola from Sydney Harbour".The Sydney Morning Herald.Retrieved2 January2022.
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33°50′41″S151°11′35″E/ 33.844695°S 151.193067°E/-33.844695; 151.193067

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