Source: ABC News
Port Lincoln’s first tuna fishing boat, the Tacoma, which sailed into the town’s harbour in 1952
Port Lincoln is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the arrival of its first dedicated tuna boat.
The historic-registered wooden Tacoma pioneered the multi-million dollar tuna industry.
The boat was built in New South Wales in the 1940s by the city’s Haldane family.
The vessel first sailed to Port Lincoln in 1952, arriving auspiciously in fine weather and on calm water on the morning of January 18.
Ross Haldane was four years old at the time of the boat’s launch.
“It’s been a remarkable 60 years to see the whole fishery unfold, to experience its ups and downs,†he said.
“It hasn’t all been laughter and joy since that time there’s been over 50 men lost in the industry which is very tragic and we all need to reflect on that a bit. It wasn’t an easy task. Tuna don't give themselves up easy or no fish does and the wealth of the sea is a hard-won wealth and we should all remember that,†he said.
The Tacoma was named after a boat-building town in the United States.
