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One final sail for the Spirit of Devonport
Words: Helen KemptonProducer: Anthony Lucas
After 163 years of service, Tasmania's own ferry across the Mersey River has made its last trip.
The Spirit of Devonport — painted up to match its bigger sisters the Spirit of Tasmania ferries — made its last run between east and west Devonport at the end of August.
Discontinuation of the ferry service is due to declining passenger numbers. It has caused the city to lose an iconic part of its maritime history, the Tasmanian Ports Corporation said.
VIDEO: SPIRIT OF TASMANIA
The last little ferry on the run was on the water for 37 years, carrying residents and tourists from East Devonport to the city centre.
VIDEO: SPIRIT OF TASMANIA
The ferry began services when Devonport was known as Torquay (east) and Formby (west). 
Picture: ABC
A punt was used from 1865 and 1901, and the Star of the Sea Catholic Church was floated across the river from east to west in 1898.
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Bass Strait Maritime Centre
In 1996-97 the ferry service came into question but the community backed its continuation. For what may be the longest ferry service in Australia we hope there might be a future yet.
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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/web-stories/free/the-mercury-hobart/spirit-of-devonport-tasmania-loses-iconic-ferry