Tag Archives: MFV Tacoma
Jack Bellamy, South Australia’s traditional tuna fisher pioneer poles his last fish at 88
Jack Bellamy says he’s poled his last southern bluefin tuna. The 88-year-old is a pioneer of the commercial tuna fishing industry in South Australia and is the last of his era to land a tuna by pole. Mr Bellamy came to South Australia with his twin, Keith, 70 years ago from Port Fairy in Victoria, aboard the purpose-built purse seine net boat, Motor Fishing Vessel (MFV) Tacoma. The Haldane family built the wooden boat over seven years. When it was ready to launch, the neighbouring Bellamy twins, who’d grown up watching it take shape outside their kitchen window, joined the crew. They turned 18 on the way to Port Lincoln. Video, photos, >click to read< 07:55
Tacoma’s 70 years: A personal perspective
Last month MFV Almonta sank on its mooring for a second time. This once proud member of the Port Lincoln tuna fleet now sits forlorn, half submerged in Porter Bay. It seems likely another part of the 60s tuna fleet is to be lost. I am guessing funds are short and too few people care enough to keep her afloat. This gives me pause for thought. A short distance away in the Marina sits the MFV Tacoma – afloat, fully preserved, debt free, self-funded and heritage listed. >click to read< 07:36
