Docklands Secrets - February 2012
31 Jan 2012
What the?
What is this strange object slowing sinking at its mooring in Victoria Harbour?
It is perhaps Docklands’ smallest boat.
The little red vessel was purpose-built at the Wooden Boat Centre in Shed 2 so that workmen could get up close and personal with the “crop” of piles at the end of Merchant St which are now all wearing stainless steel spinning head wear.
The vessel was designed like a horseshoe. The workers were able to manoeuvre it around a pile, secure it with ropes and get to work at extremely close quarters.
The piles were all “renovated” late last July before being capped with the new wind-vane-type hats. Divers added steel rings to their bases and used stones and concrete to secure them.
But after the work was done, the little red boat seemed to be abandoned. It languished at a nearby jetty for some time and incorrect mooring resulted in her taking on water.
And then she disappeared. Had she gone to the bottom of the harbour?
Docklands News is pleased to report that she was seen last month safe and sound in the doorway of the Wooden Boat Centre. And she was out again in late January assisting with some maintenance. The artwork’s stainless steel hats were off, presumably to quieten them down.
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