Mystery hole in sunken yacht

SALVAGE experts who retrieved a yacht that sank in Sydney Harbour on Friday say a square hole in the side of the vessel appeared to have been cut with a chainsaw.

By InvestSMART · 26 Jun 2011

By InvestSMART ·
26 Jun 2011

Comments

SALVAGE experts who retrieved a yacht that sank in Sydney Harbour on Friday say a square hole in the side of the vessel appeared to have been cut with a chainsaw.

The 12-metre wooden motor cruiser was lifted out of the water by crane yesterday and sent for forensic analysis by police.

The Idler sunk at about 10.30am off Bluefish Point and was later towed to Little Manly Beach. The skipper is believed to be a Hobart civil engineer, John Miedecke, 64.

Media reports yesterday had suggested that the boat may have collided with a whale.

Two whales had been observed swimming nearby shortly before the boat began to sink. Calls to Mr Miedecke yesterday afternoon were unanswered. Witnesses said he appeared shocked when salvagers told him about the "neatly cut" square hole, about 25 centimetres by 30 centimetres, on the port side of the vessel.

Inspector Jim Johnson from Marine Area Command told media the owner did not know what he had struck. "He just heard a bang and went downstairs and saw water funnelling in and decided to abandon ship," Inspector Johnson said. Boat historian Mori Flapan said the Idler had been built in Launceston, Tasmania in 1918 and had last been sighted in Snails Bay, near Balmain, in 2009. "He's obviously put a lot of work in restoring it. It's a shame to see it like this," Mr Flapan said.

Curious locals arrived at the scene yesterday, pointing to the boat that had been "hit by a whale".

Go to Google News, then click "Follow" button to add us.

Share this article and show your support

Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

What happened to the sunken yacht Idler in Sydney Harbour?

The 12-metre wooden motor cruiser Idler sank at about 10:30am off Bluefish Point in Sydney Harbour. Salvage teams lifted the vessel out of the water by crane and it was later towed to Little Manly Beach for further examination.

Was the square hole in the yacht Idler cut with a chainsaw?

Salvage experts who retrieved the boat said a square hole in the side of the Idler appeared to have been cut with a chainsaw. The neatly cut square measured about 25 centimetres by 30 centimetres on the port side, and the boat has been sent for forensic analysis by police.

Did the Idler collide with a whale before it sank?

Media reports suggested a whale collision because two whales had been observed swimming nearby shortly before the boat began to sink and curious locals pointed to the boat as having been 'hit by a whale.' However, investigators have not confirmed the cause, and the owner reportedly did not know what he had struck.

Who was the skipper or owner of the Idler at the time of the sinking?

The skipper is believed to be John Miedecke, 64, a Hobart civil engineer. Calls to Mr Miedecke were unanswered according to media reports.

What official investigation or forensic work is being done on the sunken yacht?

Police received the recovered vessel for forensic analysis after it was lifted out of the water. Inspectors from Marine Area Command have been quoted about the incident while investigators examine the boat and the hole in its hull.

Where exactly did the Idler sink and where was it taken after salvage?

The Idler sank off Bluefish Point and was later towed to Little Manly Beach after being lifted by crane for forensic inspection.

What is known about the Idler’s history and restoration?

Boat historian Mori Flapan said the Idler was built in Launceston, Tasmania in 1918 and had last been sighted in Snails Bay near Balmain in 2009. Flapan noted the owner had put a lot of work into restoring the vessel and said it was a shame to see it in its damaged state.

What did witnesses and officials report at the scene of the yacht sinking?

Witnesses reported seeing two whales nearby shortly before the vessel sank and said the owner appeared shocked when salvagers pointed out the neatly cut square hole. Inspector Jim Johnson from Marine Area Command said the owner heard a bang, went downstairs, saw water funneling in, and decided to abandon ship.