The Pride of the Murray sunk on the Thomson River in Longreach this morning.
Longreach Police’s officer in charge told The Riv they received a call shortly after 7am.
“The boat had been moored on the Thomson River,” Senior Sergeant Chris Smith said.
“A kayaker was paddling past about 7.15am and noticed that the paddlesteamer had tilted.
“We were on the scene within the half-hour and by that time you could only just see the roof.”
Snr Sgt Smith said police were treating the incident as suspicious.
“The area is a crime scene at the moment because we don’t know what has happened,” he said.
Snr Sgt Smith said local detectives had launched an investigation, with relevant agencies including Maritime Safety Queensland and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority notified.
Outback Pioneers, the owner of the Pride of the Murray issued a public statement on Facebook about 1pm.
“We just heard this morning from the police that the Pride of the Murray has sunk on the Thomson River,” the company said.
“We don’t yet have any further details of the circumstances and what it will take to retrieve her.
“This is a huge disappointment for all of us, especially so close to the start of the season, but please be assured that you will still be able to enjoy the wonderful Starlight’s Cruise Experience on our Thomson Belle paddlewheeler and Thomson Princess riverboat.
“We very much hope we can restore this precious heritage paddlewheeler and most bookings will be transferred to her once she is afloat again.
“If you have already booked for the cruise, we will be in touch as soon as we know more and we will post further updates.”
The century-old paddlesteamer arrived in Longreach in June 2022 after a lengthy journey from Echuca.
A team of 40 people, including expert truck drivers, a police escort, and power workers to lift low-hanging lines, helped with the journey.
The paddlesteamer underwent restoration works before hitting the water under the care of Outback Pioneers, a renowned Longreach tourism company.
EARLIER: The Pride of the Murray paddlesteamer has sunk in the Thomson River at Longreach this morning.
ABC Western Queensland is reporting police officers are on the scene investigating and discussions underway about how to retrieve the vessel.
The century-old paddlesteamer arrived in Longreach in June 2022 after a 1750km journey from Echuca.
A team of 40 people, including expert truck drivers, a police escort, and power workers to lift low-hanging lines, helped with the journey.
The journey went off without a hitch, even as it made its way through tight squeezes on roundabouts and narrow bridges.
The paddlesteamer underwent restoration works before hitting the water under the care of Longreach tourist attraction Outback Pioneers.