PV Eliza-Ann destroyed (explosion & fire), Murray River, SA

[Roderick Smith]

The vessel was about 20 years old.  I don't know if petrol or diesel; certainly not steam (journalists never know).
Although small, the lower deck was recessed into the hull to keep the centre of gravity down.  Even so, it had outrigger stability floats.

Roderick.

Paddle steamer explosion on SA's River Murray leaves two with burns
15.27 Mon.20.3.17 ABC.
Photo: The paddle steamer was destroyed by the fire. (Supplied: Mark Vermeeren)
A paddle steamer explosion on the River Murray in South Australia has left two people with burns.
A man and a woman who were on board at the time were forced to jump from the top deck of the boat into the river at Wellington to escape the inferno at about 1:40pm.
Another boat picked them up and took them to the local boat ramp.
SA Ambulance Service said a man and woman were treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to hospital at nearby Murray Bridge.
Witness Mark Vermeeren, who called triple-0, said he was using a chainsaw when the incident happened.
"I could hear very loud pops and whistles," he said.
"I ran to the river frontage and I saw a paddle steamer … flames coming out the sides, whistle flames — probably gas cylinders going off with big bursts of flame.
"The flames came up from the engine room and straight up into the wheel house."
Mr Vermeeren believed the couple were lucky to be alive and said the woman's burns were the most serious.
Photo: The paddle steamer ablaze at Wellington about 100 kilometres east of Adelaide. (Supplied: Mark Vermeeren)
"She was laying down on the back deck of the rescue boat and we covered her with towels and continuously poured water on the towels to keep her cool," he said.
"She was a very brave lady. She was in a lot of pain but she wasn't screaming."
Another witness, who did not wish to be named, said she heard loud bangs and then saw dark smoke and the steamer in flames.
"It was completely engulfed in flames," she said.
It is understood those injured were the couple who owned the vessel.
Three Country Fire Service units attended the emergency.
Photo: Emergency crews douse the burnt paddle steamer with water. (Supplied: Mark Vermeeren)
<www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-20/paddle-steamer-explosion-river-murray-two-people-burns/8370208>
with three from ABD, and one from me.

[DamienG]

 

[Hankwilliams]

It`s a pity for the boat. Fortunately the two people are not injured serious?
Perhaps it is possible to rebuild the boat, the hull seems to be intact.

Thomas

[Roderick Smith]

Yes, the two owners survived, but the lady is in hospital with burns.  [its in the article text].
Rebuilding is a prospect (metal hull).
PV Gemma was destroyed by fire at Echuca; its rebuilding is nearly complete.
PS Henry Charles was destroyed by fire at Echuca; there is no rebuilding yet.
PV Sundowner has been rebuilt as PV Struggler.  That was sinking, not fire.

Roderick.

[derekwarner_decoy]

Thanks Roderick.....naturally good that both members are alive.....

[54 years ago, {high school home made science experiment that went wrong}....I spent 12 days in hospital with upper torso and face burns]......

Are these vessels insured?....or insurance cost prohibitive ?

Derek

[Roderick Smith]

I can't answer re insurance.  Mine is manageable, and this one was very little more elaborate.  Part of an insurance package is $10m public liability, and all events require that from participants.  I suspect that annual insurance is cheaper than a marina berth for a year.
There was some talk on a recent river ramble.  Eliza-Ann was diesel.  Gossip suggests a gas problem, but that isn't proof.
My boat has a gas alarm, which is very sensitive.  It even detects cattle on the riverbank.

Roderick.