SS TW runs aground at Cannonvale Cove

The 'SS Tourism Whitsunday' is listing heavily, taking on water, and leaking funds, just off Cannonvale Cove.

Exact details of how the catastrophe has happened are sketchy, however it appears that "human's error" is to blame.

A preliminary report suggests that 'distractions due to personal interests' has led to the wrong data being entered into the navigation computer of the 'SS Tourism Whitsunday', compounded with a 'marketing failure', which led to a complete loss of control of the ship's propulsion and steering.

To make matters worse for the once mighty flagship, the owners have just announced that the ship has no funds to rescue it, as all the funds were used in the recent renovations and modifications. A steady decline in passengers has also been blamed for the ships current financial and physical position.

Some locals have pointed out that the renovations and modifications were poorly done and that the ship paid excessive prices to the contractors for the poor work. It was noted that some of the modifications have been constantly failing, putting the ship in danger of running aground at Airlie Beach many times.

The 'SS Tourism Whitsunday' has been cruising through the beautiful Whitsunday Passage and Islands for many years, entertaining its passengers (mainly journalists and marketing people), while showing off the regions beauty in "beautiful one day, perfect the next" weather.

However, in the last couple of years, maintenance of the ship has been noticeably lacking. Recently there have been reports that the crew were making some 'serious money' on the side by hawking everything from DVD's, web sites, trinkets on ebay, sailing trips, accommodation, and even an apartment in Airlie Beach!

Now, the owner of the 'SS Tourism Whitsunday' says he needs around $500,000 to salvage the ship and get it back to her previous condition within the next month or two, otherwise the ship will be left to lie where she is. Several locals have stated that throwing more money into the 'SS Tourism Whitsunday' is wasted money, and that the community should get together and commission a brand new ship.

Will the 'Captains of Tourism' go down with the sinking ship? Or will the rodent population around Cannonvale Cove increase? 

Maybe we could use the 'SS Tourism Whitsunday' as a dive wreck?


Sources:
Whitsunday Times (article)