In 1998 the partly restored 320 tonne historic wooden ferry SS
Toroa sank in Auckland Harbour during a storm.
On the bottom following a severe gale.
SS Toroa, launched in 1925, is the last remaining double ended
steam ferry and is of significant historical importance. Built of
wood, the ship is fragile and without any suitable lifting
points,and it presented salvors with significant problems when
attempting to raise it.
After carrying out a survey, New Zealand Diving and Salvage Ltd
made a steel frame onto which the sunken ship was maneuvered. Using
lift bags and the heavy lift crane Hikinui, SS Toroa was brought to
the surface. When the gunwhales were clear of water, the ship was
pumped out.
SS Toroa was craned onto the hard where restoration
continues.
.
The New Zealand Maritime Trust restoring SS Toroa at the
Birkenhead Wharf, New Zealand.
Sadly, this episode put back the restoration way beyond where
the process had started, the Society now have a Mammoth task ahead
of them!
The people working there are quite willing to take people
around the boat to view and are aware that this internet exposure
will bring some added traffic. Best at weekends.
Cache is a small container with a few treasures and
Logbook.