Workers use an excavator to remove the wreckage of the MV Reef Connection from Warul Kawa after almost a decade of being a blight on the local landscape. Photo: Supplied.
After nearly a decade of failed attempts and challenges, the wreckage of the MV Reef Connection has been removed from Warul Kawa (Deliverance Island), a significant site within the Ugul Malu Kawa Indigenous Protected Area.
The milestone was achieved through a unique collaboration and adherence to strict cultural protocols, and represented the conclusion of Maritime Safety Queensland’s (MSQ) $2.7 million War on Wrecks program.
The latest chapter in the program, which was undertaken by Carpentaria Contracting after the company was awarded the contract in 2021, included the removal of 13 vessels in the Cairns maritime region.
The 18-metre MV Reef Connection caught fire and sank during a voyage in February 2015 and, while all of its seven crew survived, its whereabouts was unknown until it was discovered a year later by Torres Strait Regional Authority rangers, washed ashore on Warul Kawa – an island of deep spiritual and cultural significance for Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The success of the latest clean-up attempt hinged on the guidance of the local Kuiku Mabaigal (cultural authority) and the active involvement of Traditional Owners and rangers from five connected communities – Boigu, Saibai, Dauan, Badua and Mabuiag.
Prior to the removal, the Kuiku Mabaigal performed a traditional cultural ceremony to seek the approval and protection of their ancestors.
Malu Kiai senior ranger Nelson Gibuma, who was on the vessel when it sank, expressed his deep relief the wreck had finally been removed.
“I am very happy, I feel good,” he said.
“I’m glad they took the boat off of Warul Kawa.”
MSQ general manager Kell Dillon praised the operation, which was completed on 20 November 2024.
“I am very pleased that MSQ and our contractors have finally closed the chapter on the MV Reef Connection,” he said.
“It is even better that Warul Kawa has been returned to its natural state and that MSQ was able to involve Torres Strait Islanders to ensure their spiritual and cultural needs were met during removal of the wreckage.
“This brings to an end a single $2.7 million contract to remove 13 wrecks from Far North Queensland.”
Since 2018, 120 wrecks have been removed from the Cairns maritime region as part of the War on Wrecks program.
Ishmael Gibuma, Nelson Gibuma and Laurie Elisala observe the removal of the vessel wreckage to ensure cultural protocols are adhered to. Photo: Supplied.
