Straitsman

Launched in 1972 to serve King Island in Bass Strait, the STRAITSMAN operated for just seven weeks before her owners ran into financial difficulties. Arrexted later that year and the subject od a Supreme Court of Victoria court case in 1973 the ship was finally purchased by the Tasmanian Transport Commission.

Six months later the STRAITSMAN rolled over and sank in the calm waters of the Yarra River with the loss of two lives. Salvaged and refitted, in October 1975 the STRAITSMAN finally commenced over 15 years of service to King Island. During that period the structure of Bass Strait shipping changed, and the ship that had served King Island so well was sold and faced an uncertain future.

Eventually purchased by a small New Zealand shipping company to operate across Cook Strait, the STRAITSMAN faced opposition from the moment she entered New Zealand waters. Despite the early troubles, the STRAITSMAN lasted 12 years and played a key roll in the formation and success of Strait Shipping.

Finally, surplus to requirements, the STRAITSMAN was sold to a fledgling Fijian shipping company which renamed the ship SINU-I-WASU. Under this name the ship is still operating nearly 35 years after being launced. 

Published by the Nautical Association of Australia.  100 pages including 30 B&W maps and photos.

Available to NZ Ship& Marine members at NZ$18.50 inclusive of postage and packageing from:-

For an extra NZ$5.00 you can receive a copy of  "The Currie Line of Melbourne" by Bill Laxton with any purchase of  STRAITSMAN.