Mystery surrounds the sinking of one of Sydney’s few remaining houseboats at Pearl Bay, Mosman

ONE of the few remaining Sydney houseboats has been left semi-submerged in Mosman’s Pearl Bay after apparently succumbing to recent fierce winds.

The houseboat has apparently become a victim of Sydney’s recent wild weather.

A HOME in one of Mosman’s most scenic spots has suffered that sinking feeling.

The wooden houseboat in Pearl Bay was left semi-submerged following windy weather earlier this month.

The upstairs windows were left above the water while the walkway and front door were submerged.

A note was left beside the home thanking neighbours for their assistance.

The note that was left thanking residents for their help.

“Thank you to all the wonderful people who helped us yesterday,” it said.

“Your help, thought and effort was great. The coffee and muffins were a lovely thought. Thank you. Louise and Rob.”

The houseboat has become a focal point at the bay, which is popular with dog walkers.

Surprised passers-by have been taking photos of the houseboat and discussing its demise.

But the sunken property has not impressed nearby resident Philip Hayes, who described it as an “eyesore”.

He said the houseboat was dilapidated and estimated it was about 80 years old.

Mr Hayes said that there was a “bit of a blow on” when it sank and noticed people working at the site this week.

The houseboat lays, semi-submerged, in Pearl Bay.

Roads and Maritime Services said it was working with the owner of the houseboat to ensure it was refloated as safely and quickly as possible.

“It is too early to determine the extent of the damage to the houseboat, which is semi-submerged at the edge of the foreshore,” a RMS spokeswoman said.

Safety officers have determined there is no pollution and the houseboat is not presenting a navigation hazard.

RMS said there were a small number of houseboats permitted on Sydney Harbour, under agreements that predated the Department of Environment’s current regulations, which prohibited further houseboat leases being issued.

This neighbouring Pearl Bay houseboat, once owned by John Singleton, has been restored into a luxury floating home.

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Two houseboats remain in the bay nearby, moored in an area ­surrounded by multimillion-dollar homes and spectacular views.

Their presence in the bay dates back to the Depression years as unemployed people moved to the waterfront to live in caves, makeshift huts, tents and houseboats.

The area was eventually cleared by authorities but some of the houseboats remained.

The Mosman Daily has tried to contact the owners of the sunken houseboat.