MV Cartela restoration efforts to continue after previously sunken ship refloated

The MV Cartela is floating on the Huon River again after sinking back in February. It is now hoped the ship can be fully restored and become a tourist drawcard again. Inside its rescue mission.

Cartela at Franklin. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

The MV Cartela has been successfully refloated after it sank in the Huon River in February.

The ship’s hull was meant to be moved to Battery Point for restoration work, but those plans were derailed after it started sinking.

Cartela Restoration Trust Chair George Rance said he was relieved to see the MV Cartela secure and floating again.

“The people who did the salvaging were very, very professional – and it went very smoothly and surprised the salvagers just how quickly and easily it was able to be refloated,” Mr Rance said.

“The salvaging team had to use three large cranes to slightly roll the vessel because it was on an angle.

“They pumped the water out – and it took less than an hour, and she floated straight back up. They went through and identified any leaks and sealed them up.”

The historic and much-loved Cartela sinking at Franklin.

Mr Rance said it could now progress to the next stages of restoring the MV Cartela.

“We are going to remove some of the superstructure that is rotten and needs to be replaced to meet the requirements of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

“We will then take it around to Battery Point, put it on the slip there and have a good look at the hull and do any work to ensure that the hull is waterproof.

“And then we’ll bring her back to Franklin and install the new superstructure and the inside and do it all up ready to go.”

It is hoped that once fully restored, the MV Cartela “will return to its purpose of being a tourist icon.”

“They’ll do harbour trips, and undoubtedly, there will be people who wish to hire it out for weddings and football parties.

“I think the harbour trips will be important as a way of drawing tourists in.

“We’re still considering reinstalling the steam engine, so we’ll have to think further about that, but that is still a possibility.”

**MUST CREDIT Kelvin Ball*** Hobart's MV Cartela. Picture: Kelvin Ball

Mr Rance thanked Hurricane Marine and Elliot Crane Hire for its help in refloating the MV Cartela.

Pinnacle Hire also assisted in recovering the ship by providing the equipment to pump out the water.

“We are proud to have contributed to saving such a significant piece of Tasmania’s

maritime history,” Pinnacle Hire Managing Director Jeremy Sailsbury said.

“Our team’s quick response and the efficiency of our equipment demonstrate our

commitment to serving our community in times of crisis.”

Originally published as MV Cartela restoration efforts to continue after previously sunken ship refloated