Cyclone
Tracy wasn’t the only disaster that befell Australia during
the Christmas and New Year period of 1974-75.
On the evening of January 5, 1975 the Australian National Line
bulk carrier MV Lake Illawarra, laden with a cargo of zinc concentrate,
collided with the Tasman Bridge, which spanned the Derwent River
in Hobart.
The ship sank, killing seven of the crew, and collapsing two
pylons and 127 metres of bridge decking into water 110 feet
deep.
Four motor vehicles fell into the river, killing five occupants.
At 4.30am on January 6, a 14-man detachment from Australian
Clearance Diving Team Two (AUSCDTTWO), commanded by LEUT Alexander
Donald, flew to Hobart for search and recovery operations.
Following preliminary dives later that day, AUSCDTTWO was tasked
to locate and assist Hobart Water Police recover the motor vehicles.
Two
additional divers from AUSCDTONE arrived from Sydney, with a
one-person recompression chamber.
Two vehicles were identified on January 7; one was salvaged
that day and the second three days later.
Another vehicle was found buried under rubble on January 8.
Three team members assisted Tasmanian Police divers comprehensively
survey the wreck of the Lake Illawarra between January 9–13.
Operations ceased on January 16.
The Navy divers operated in hazardous conditions with minimal
visibility and strong river currents. Divers had to contend
with bridge debris consisting of shattered concrete, reinforced
steel rods, railings, pipes, lights, wire and power cables.
Strong winds on the third day brought down debris from the bridge
above, and caused unguarded ‘live’ power cables to fall into
the water, endangering the divers.
Understandably, LEUT Donald described the conditions as “appalling”.
The breakage of an important arterial link isolated the residents
in Hobart’s eastern suburbs the relatively short drive across
the Tasman Bridge to the city suddenly became a 50 kilometre
journey around the bay.
Although ferries provided a service across the Derwent River,
it was not until December 1975 that a single lane combat bridge
was opened to traffic, thereby restoring some connectivity.
Reconstruction of the Tasman Bridge commenced in October 1975
and the bridge officially reopened on October 8, 1977. The wreck
of the Lake Illawarra remains where it sank in 1975.
