Historic Woody Point Gayundah shipwreck bow collapses

THE bow of a historic Brisbane shipwreck has collapsed, leaving authorities scratching their heads as to what caused it.

QST_RBH_WRECK

JUST days after the 131st anniversary of the HMQS Gayundah arriving in Brisbane, the beloved shipwreck’s bow has collapsed.

Redcliffe artist Alex Enborisoff, whose home overlooks the wreck, discovered the damage while walking with his wife and granddaughter on Tuesday.

Part of the Gayundah wreck has collapsed. Pic: Chris Higgins

“The whole bow looked like the neck had been broken and (it was) leaning over ready to drop off,” Mr Enborisoff said.

After talking to neighbours who heard noise and sirens during the night, Mr Enborisoff said he believed the damage was caused by vandals climbing on the wreck.

A Queensland ambulance spokeswoman said paramedics were called to the area near the wreck on Monday night to treat a patient for cuts sustained after jumping off rocks.

Culture Vulture Richard Lancaster, whose movie Mutiny of the Gayundah is set to premiere at the Redcliffe Cultural Centre next week, was devastated by the news.

Mr Lancaster and friend Barry Richards have worked to have what is left of the historic ship preserved. “Now of course with this damage we are not sure if we can do this anymore.”

The ship was beached at the bottom of Woody Point cliffs as a breakwater on June 2, 1958.

Timeline

■ March 27, 1885: HMQS Gayundah arrives in Brisbane

■ 1903: Gayundah used for the first ship-to-shore wireless telegraphy experiments in Australia

■ 1921: Used as sand and gravel barge in Moreton Bay

■ 1958: Beached as a breakwater off the Woody Point cliffs

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