‘The Argos’ vessel was built at Berry’s Bay in 1903.

Transport Heritage Australia president Peter Duffy told Deborah Knight the tugboat is Australian made with a rich history.

“She has touched so many lives, so many people from the organisation have worked on her.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

Photo: Transport Heritage Australia

Update: NSW Maritime has provided 2GB with the below statement.

NSW Maritime works closely with vessel owners where a vessel is identified as not complying with environmental and safety requirements and our aim is to reach an appropriate outcome in most cases. 

NSW Maritime has had numerous interactions with the owners of the Argos and we are sympathetic to the efforts to restore this vessel to its former glory. 

However, the vessel poses numerous environmental risks and it is illegally occupying a cancelled mooring in Empire Bay.

The mooring application for the vessel the Argos was declined as the vessel was deemed as being an environmental risk on the grounds of its condition – it is unable to undertake a voyage under its own power. 

To minimise the risk of a pollution incident and the impact of pollution on the environment by the vessel, NSW Maritime is encouraging the current owner to: 

1. a) find a suitable location – such as dry storage – where the vessel can be restored without breaching marine legislation; and  

1. b) if the Argos has any significant maritime historical value, to contact and seek assistance from other maritime historical societies to find suitable