1974: South Steyne Ferry Fire

For decades, the Manly Ferry South Steyne was regarded as the flagship of the Manly Fleet. It was the largest ferry itself, with a capacity for 1700 and had entered service in 1938

On Sunday, August 25, 1974, while berthed at Mort Bay in Balmain, it caught fire. It is believed the fire started in a boiler room before 5pm, and firefighters were called to fight the fire.

Source: "Biggest ferry burns, solving Govt selection problem". The Sydney Morning Herald, August 26: 1. 

The ferry was extensively damaged. 

At the time of the fire, the Manly Ferry route was operated by the Port Jackson and Manly Steamship Company and was to be taken over by the NSW Government in December 1974. Given the cost of repairs (estimated at $1 million at the time), the NSW Government decided to focus on operating a two-ferry service upon handover.

Given the damage sustained, it was anticipated that the ferry would be scrapped. It never returned to service as a commuter ferry. It was restored n the 1980s and was recommissioned in 1988. 

During the 1990's it spent part of the decade as a floating restaurant before moving to Darling Harbour, where it served as the Olympic Information Centre and, post-Olympics (2000), as a function centre.

In 2016, it was moved to Berry's Bay as it could no longer be accommodated at Darling Harbour and has remained there since.

Impact on Commuters

Commuters were severely impacted by the fire and withdrawal of South Steyne with services reduced. Frequencies were reduced from 30 minutes to 45 minutes. It had added to service cuts due to the retirement of another two ferries - Dee Why (1968) and Bellubera (1974).  

Source: Anonymous. 1974. "Ferry Chaos! Hundreds stranded as new timetable starts". The Manly Daily, August 27: 1. 

Next week, I'll look at the overcrowding concerns that stemmed from it as The Manly Daily saw it and mentioned in the book Manly Ferries of Sydney Harbour.