The decaying hull of the PONRABBEL II seen at Kings Wharf, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. 11/09/2021

Ferguson Bros. Ltd. built the bucket dredge PONRABBEL II in Port Glasgow, Scotland in 1916. The dredge operated on the Tamar River, Tasmania, from 1921 up until 1976. She replaced the PONRABBEL 1 (of similar design) which was sunk by the German warship EMDEM in the Indian Ocean whilst on her delivery voyage in 1914.

PONRABBEL II was used for dredging the Tamar River navigation channel. She was also involved with the removal of rocks during the development of Bell Bay’s berthing facilities.

The dredge PONRABBEL II was powered by two steam engines. Today, the Australian Maritime College holds one, and the other is currently displayed at the Low Head Pilot Station Maritime Museum.

Ponrabbel is the 19th century Aboriginal name for the Tamar estuary.

PONRABBEL II

IMO: 5281829
Type: Bucket Ladder Dredger
Flag: Australian | Port of Registry: Launceston
Owner: Marine Board of Launceston – Tasmania, Australia
Year Built: 1916 | Country of Build: GBR | Builder: Ferguson Bros. Ltd. | Location of Yard: Port Glasgow
Launch Date: 21.3.1916 | Date of Completion: September 1916
Length: 47.24 m | Width: 10.42 m
GT: 457 | DWT: 56
Engines: 2 x 2 cylinder steam engines | Total Power: 600 IHP
Propulsion: Twin-screw
End: 1985 (hulked)

For those who may be interested, a 4K video taken on board PONRABBEL’s rusty hull can be found at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCrIPJ74W6A