PS Hero
| History | |
|---|---|
.svg.png){kind=small} Australia | |
| Name: | Hero |
| Route: | River Murray, Australia |
| Launched: | 1874 |
| In service: | 1874 |
| Out of service: | 1957 |
| Reinstated: | 2000 |
| Homeport: | Echuca, Victoria (Australia) |
| Status: | Tourist vessel |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type: | Side paddle steamer |
| Length: | 28.1 m |
| Beam: | 5.2 m |
| Propulsion: | Steam |
| Notes: | Data compiled from several sources[1][2] |
The Hero is a paddle steamer that was built at Echuca in 1874 by George Linklater. The working life of Hero first ended in 1957, but it was later restored c2000 as a first class luxury paddle steamer finely fitted-out for private charters.[1]
History
The Hero traded on the Murrumbidgee River as a hawking vessel until the 1930s when sold to Arbuthnot Sawmills as a logging boat. In 1942, the Hero and two barges were purchased by the Forests Commission and moved to Echuca.[1]
In 1950 the Hero and barges were sold to the Collins Brothers and moved to Mildura. Later, in 1956, the Hero sold to Chislett Brothers at Boundary Bend, Victoria, and again worked as a logging boat.
During the 1952 and 1956 floods in Australia, Hero was used for various flood mitigation purposes.
In January 1957 Hero caught fire at Boundary Bend, near Robinvale, and sank.[2] Over the years it was stripped and slowly deteriorated. Its paddle wheels were removed and installed on the PV Pride of the Murray.
In 1989, Gary and Irene Byford purchased Hero. They raised it in February 1998 and removed the boiler and engine. The hull was moved to Echuca where it was restored and re-launched on 16 September 2000, the 126th anniversary of its original launch.[2]
Particulars
Hero is 28 metres long and can carry up to 75 passengers.[1]
Its original steam engines have been refitted.[2]