Mystery behind eerie photo of sinking houseboat
A picture of a houseboat partly submerged on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has left locals pondering the unusual sight.
It’s not known what caused the vessel, which is believed to have been in the area for more than a decade, to sink on Noosa River on Wednesday.
Pictures on Facebook show the home partially submerged as it settles in a watery grave.
Noosa MP Sandy Bolton said Thursday she was aware of the sinking home and authorities were in contact with the owner about retrieving it.
“Maritime Safety Queensland are aware of, have contacted the owner and will install a safety marker for increased visibility until it’s removed,” Ms Bolton said.
Noosa River Marine Officer Jake Hennessy told the Sunshine Coast Daily that the owner is now in the process of arranging to have it removed from the river.
It’s believed no one was inside as it sank.
On Facebook, people sympathised with whoever owns the houseboat while many wondering about its fate.
“Ah, that’s sad. We went past it on the weekend, doors were open and looked like it was a renovator’s delight,” one woman wrote.
Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Angus Mitchell told Yahoo News Australia in a statement the unoccupied houseboat has been monitored for “some time” and when it sank officers contacted the owner.
“The owner, who is interstate has given an assurance the vessel will be removed as soon as possible,” he said.
“Boat owners have a legal obligation to meet their responsibilities and remove their vessels from our waterways before they become derelicts.
“However, where they fail to comply, we are not prepared to let the matter rest and Maritime Safety Queensland has powers to take action and, whenever possible, seek to recover costs from owners.”
He added the department’s taking a “compassionate approach” in this case though given the coronavirus restrictions.
“The houseboat has been marked with a beacon to ensure safety of other vessels,” Mr Mitchell said.
“The cause of the sinking will be included in enquiries made after it is removed from the water.”
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
