Pilot Female, Ex Rottnest Ferry and Prawn Trawler: The varied life of Islander II
This beauty was a familiar site on the Swan River during the 1960s (photo 2). But before her career peaked, she enjoyed an extremely varied life, starting off as ‘Captain Heath’ a pilot vessel and light tender in Queensland during the 1940’s and 50’s (photo 1). She was bought and transferred to Perth where she was used as a Rottnest fast ferry, before being converted into a prawn trawler as modern boats came into service. It was in 1971, at the Gulf of Carpentaria, where her varied career and journey came to an end. Reports state water entered the hull and she sank.
Please note, in order, the credits are as follows: