Tuesday 8 February 2011

Shaolin sinks in Dickson Inlet

: The Shaolin lies in Dixon's Inlet, a victim of Cyclone Yasi.

The iconic Chinese Junk Shaolin has fallen victim to Cyclone Yasi as it lay deep within Dickson Inlet with dozens of other boats who headed for shelter last week.

The boat was undergoing extensive work to prepare it for commercial use prior to the storm, and was apparently secured by experienced people with all precautions being taken.

Local resort manager, Toni Bennett, said her family will be shocked by the news of Shaolin's sinking.

"We've had some great times on Shaolin. My husband had his 50th birthday on it, my daughter's 30th birthday was a full moon cruise on Shaolin, and we chartered it for our family to go to Low Isles. Many of the had their first snorkelling experience off that boat.

"It was wonderful in terms of providing a very special experience," she said.

The cause of the accident is not yet known and it is not yet established whether the Shaolin is recoverable.

Have your say!

We love receiving your comments and publishing them for all to see. To ensure the forum remains constructive please respect other peoples comments. Any comment submitted will only be published if name and valid email address are supplied for publication. The Editor reserves the right to edit comments. Click here for full publishers terms and conditions for reader comments.

Omid Master, 12-02-11 09:27:

OMG this is a tragedy. Feel so sorry for Steve our friend and the new owner. He was planning Yum Cha's on Sundays and was the first person to warn me about an evacuation drill. Hope Steve is ok!

Debbie Bartle , 10-02-11 09:53:

"I went on the Shaolin boxing day 2010.It was an awesome day, a fantastic vessel.Such a shame to see her on the bottom. At least we all carry fond memories of her.I hope she is salvaged and given life again"

Sue P. , 10-02-11 08:12:

The chinese junk was always part of the experience of being in Port Douglas, One of the iconic visions when you hit the Marina attracting everyone's eye. She even made it into the story of Peter Allan's life. Sorry to hear that she is no longer.....We were lucky our holiday house down in Oakbeach proudly faced yet another big blow, and the old girl came thru. Queensland has had enough, and FNQ always our other home.

Heather Collins, 09-02-11 19:28:

Full of character and charm, the Shaolin was an amazing boat. My very favourite one up here. I was privileged and lucky enough to have had several trips on her. All of which I enjoyed thoroughly.

Julie Robertson, 09-02-11 18:56:

So sad many, many memories on Shaolin over the past 2 years. always a great boat, great crew and a great time guaranteed

Gary C , 09-02-11 17:19:

I hear you Michelle. My favourite as well.

Michele , 09-02-11 16:39:

So sad! She was one of the first boats I went to the reef on when I arrived in PD 20 years ago and has always been my favourite. Memories or birthdays aboard and doing my rescue dive course with Captain Karl in howling winds at Low Isle and more recently with Alex and Rick. So hope she can be rescued!

Daniel McGrath , 08-02-11 11:54:

Noooooo! I had a chance to go for a cruise on this last year but turned it down to go kite surfing! So gutted!!