Eighty-one years after its last voyage, the historic steamer PS Canally has taken a trip down the Murray River.
Key points:
- Morgan volunteers spent 12 years restoring the ship to its former glory
- The Canally sank in Victoria after being left to rot after years of important service
- More work needs to be done, but passengers will soon be able to board the historic steamship
Steamships played an important role in the development and function of river towns, but the Canally could have been lost in the history books had it not been for a group of volunteer workers.
Today the ship has headed from Morgan to Mannum before completing some major works, including the replacement of its hull, its interior wooden structure.
The trip down the Murray was a perfect opportunity to show the restoration to impatient spectators.
Skipper Jim Maywald was at the wheel as the boat went down the river.
“It’s a pretty historic day,” he said.
“Volunteers have done an amazing job over the last 12 years at Morgan.”
PS Canally set sail after 12 years of voluntary restoration work. (Supplied by: PS Canally Port of Morgan)
Saved from the depths
Mid Murray councilor Kevin Myers has been heavily involved in the restoration.
He said that when Canally first arrived in Morgan he was in a “sad” state.
“In 1941 their engines and other operating equipment were removed,” Myers said.
“Then it became a barge again and then it was abandoned.”
Launched in 1907 in Echuca, Victoria, the Canally was used to trade wool in the Murrumbidgee River. (Supplied)
The ship was used to market nuts between Berri and Morgan before being put to work on the construction of the Murray lock and dam system in the early 1920s.
After changing hands and location in the following years, the ship, once crucial, was left at a mooring at Boundary Bend in Victoria and eventually sank.
The Rivers and Riverboat Historical and Preservation Society lifted the Canally from deep water in 1998 and quickly began restoration of the hull.
PS Canally has been transformed since 2013. (ABC: Ian Mannix)
In 2010, the Mid Murray Council took ownership of the boat and in 2011 moved into its new home in Morgan Harbor.
Volunteers worked tirelessly for the past 12 years to restore the steamer to its former glory.
“We’re actually on the moon with his performance,” Myers said after a rehearsal last week.
“It was like having a new heartbeat with the engine running.”
Riverland residents watched as PS Canally descended the Murray. (Supplied by: PS Canally Port of Morgan)
All on board
Myers said it was important to save the Canally to honor its importance in the 1920s and 1930s.
Although the final touches have not yet been completed, community members and tourists may soon have a chance to experience the restored PS Canally up close.
“Hopefully in the next six or 12 months we will do a full survey to transport passengers,” Meyers said.
“All the people who have been waiting, then they will all be able to get away.”
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