Much loved tourist boat saved from sinking in Victoria’s north

A much-loved family-run cruise ship has been saved from sinking on Lake Mulwala in Victoria’s north. See the video.

Paradise Queen cruise boat is now docked back safely in the lagoon after a chaotic night, narrowly avoiding sinking.

After a rough night of battling extreme weather conditions on Monday, the beloved cruise boat is safe.

A wild windstorm hit Lake Mulwala on Monday evening, which seems to cause the water logging inside the boat, causing it to sink.

“It was a nasty storm - we had a mini flood under the back porch,” Jodie Smith said.

“Wow, I‘ve never seen the lake that choppy in all the years I’ve lived here,” Paula Barrington said.

After the local community is thrilled to see the popular cruise boat back safe at the Mighty Murray.

Jenny Taig wrote to social media that she is relieved the boat is safe.

“That‘s great news, as the queen is an icon of the lake,” she said.

Treasured cruise boat 'Paradise Queen' docked safely after being saved from sinking on Lake Mulwala on Monday night

“Wonderful news, terrific effort by everyone to save her,” Robyn Pilcher said.

The CFA responded to reports of a boat sinking on the lake near Bank St in Yarrawonga just before 9pm.

Three CFA crews from Yarrawonga brigade responded.

It is believed 60 people were on board at the time and all were able to safely exit the boat.

The boat was safely buoyed and CFA crews assisted with pumping water from the rear of the boat.

Locals also did what they could to help out.

Paula Barrington was down there watching it all play out.

“It was awesome to see all the community members working together as a township,” she said.

“Everyone was hoping it could be saved as it is a massive part of this township.”

The incident was declared over just before 11pm.

It is believed the incident was caused by storm damage to the boat.