Maritime Survey Australia Marine Surveyor Byron Miller is completing the initial survey on the Steam Tug Wattle.
Wattle is owned and operated by Bay Steamers Maritime Museum Ltd it is a not-for-profit organisation registered as a Charitable Institution.
The Steam Tug (ST) Wattle was built in 1933 at Cockatoo Island. The ST Wattle has a rash history: On 15 February 1934 Codeco was renamed the Wattle as a non-commissioned vessel of the RAN operating in the Sydney region with a civilian crew. For its near forty-year life with the RAN, Wattle was engaged in a variety of harbour duties, including manoeuvring smaller warships, towing targets and barges, rescue work and transporting goods and personnel between ships and shore. During World War II, Wattle was also engaged in degaussing experiments. After a long service period with the RAN
Wattle was paid off in 1969 and put with the ‘reserve fleet’ at Athol Bay, in expectation of being sold for scrap.
At present the vessel is in Docklands Melbourne and undergoing a major refit, they are looking for volunteers and donations, if you can help, please contact the team here.