The Murray Princess has been MIA for three months – this is why
The biggest paddle steamer on the River Murray hasn't been seen in Murray Bridge since July.
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Saturday mornings would usually be busy for the volunteers at Murray Bridge’s Round House, and shops and cafes along Bridge Street.
The PS Murray Princess would usually dock nearby on a Friday night, and about 100 passengers would usually wander around the CBD on a Saturday morning, or take an excursion to Monarto Safari Park.
But the crowds have been a lot smaller lately, and for one simple reason: the Princess hasn’t visited since July.
The boat’s mooring, just upstream of the road bridge, was damaged in an accident on July 21.
Since then, passengers have had the option of taking a bus from Mannum and back instead.
But Peter Harden, a volunteer who gave a weekly history talk aboard the Princess, said the number of guests taking that option was much smaller.
“There’s 100 people not coming here to Murray Bridge, and tourism-wise, that’s the biggest influx of tourists (the city gets),” he said.
“It beggars belief that (someone) has made this decision.”
He said it was “ludicrous” that repairs were taking so long.
In a statement, the Murray Bridge council said the decision to suspend the Princess’ visits had been made by Sealink, the boat’s owners, after a thorough risk assessment.
The council – which owns the damaged mooring pole – had lodged an insurance claim and was still working with an engineer to figure out what needed to be done, CEO Heather Barclay said.
It did not yet have a time frame for the repairs.
“The PS Murray Princess is a vital part of the region’s tourism industry and we recognise the importance of restoring its regular visits to the Murray Bridge mooring as soon as possible,” Ms Barclay said.
Murray Bridge News has sought comment from Sealink.