Pride of the Murray sinking ‘not suspicious’ police confirm

By Riverine Herald

Mar 15, 2023

Popular attraction: The *Pride of the Murray* on the Thomson River in Longreach. Photo: Outback Pioneers

Police say the sinking of the Pride of the Murray is no longer being treated as suspicious.

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The near-century old paddlesteamer sank while moored on the Thomson River in Longreach on March 6.

The news of sabotage being ruled out comes as salvage experts are in Longreach assessing the damage.

Owner Richard Kinnon of Outback Pioneers said he would do whatever it took to make the boat river-worthy again.

“After shedding a few tears for all the effort that went into the paddlewheeler’s transportation and restoration, we’ve picked ourselves up and got to work assessing how we can get her afloat again,” he said.

“Past and present pioneers of the outback have needed resilience in spades.

“The sinking of the Pride of the Murray is just the latest in our challenges that have ranged from drought to flood to cattle prices to COVID.”

Mr Kinnon said he was travelling to Brisbane when informed of the sinking.

Just days after the Pride of the Murray was submerged, Outback Pioneers was presented with the Outback Queensland Tourism Association’s ‘Social Media Legend’ Award.

The award was presented for the campaign on the Pride of the Murray’s journey from Echuca to Longreach.

“We hope those who were inspired by the Pride of the Murray’s story will still get to cruise in her at some time in the future,” Mr Kinnon said.