Statement from Sea Heritage Foundation to news media regarding incorrect and inflammatory report by the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday 09 June 2025
1. Is the Ship at Risk of Sinking?
No. The ship is not at risk of sinking. The ship no longer puts to sea. She is an alongside static museum and training ship now.
Let’s separate fact from uninformed speculation.
Fact: Does the ship appear unsightly in areas? Yes, due to visible rust and deterioration above the waterline.
Fact: Do the penetrations on the port side of the hull pose a risk of sinking? No. Here’s why: ….. to read more please follow the link
The MV Cape Don
Unlocking human potential through connection with and greater understanding of our unique learning
and development environment, the heritage ship, the MV Cape Don.
Our Mission
To educate, inspire and explore the past to inform our future providing a unique community hub for social and economic change.
History
A Royal Connection
TrainingWE NEED YOUR SUPPORT -
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT -
The Sea Heritage Foundation Pty Ltd is a not-for-profit incorporated charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). The Foundation was founded to carry out the refurbishment and conservation of the historic Commonwealth Lighthouse Service (CLS) Ship MV Cape Don with the aim of preservinge a unique example of Australian shipbuilding, ship design and maritime history.
MV Cape Don was built at the State Dockyards in Newcastle, NSW. Completed in January 1963. She was one of a unique “Cape” class of ships that were purpose-built to service the important shipping and trade lanes around Australia’s vast coastline.
The Conservation work onboard the ship is carried out by crew of volunteer members of the MV Cape Don Society which is managed by the Sea Heritage Foundation Board of Governors.
The ship is undergoing a staged 10-year strategic plan to diversify her income, dry dock the ship, creating training and employment pathways for Indigenous Australians.