'Provincial Trader', 1994

On the night of 28th – 29th April 1994, the ‘Provincial Trader’, a 42-metre, 739-ton prawn trawler, became disabled in the eastern area of Bass Strait whilst on a voyage from Adelaide to Cairns.

The Eden-based work boat ‘Broadwater’ began to tow the vessel the 100 or so miles to Eden. The fishing vessel ‘Rubicon’ took over the tow on 30th April.

Water had been rising in the engine room of the ‘Provincial Trader' from early on 29th April. But, approaching Twofold Bay early on 1st May, the vessel’s engine room suddenly and rapidly filled with water. The skipper ordered the crew to abandon ship.

The ‘Provincial Trader’ sank just 530-metres outside of Eden port. The crew was rescued by the 'Rubicon'.