Harbour wrecks "illegally" sold

Kyt · Aug 25, 2008

If this turns out true then I hope he gets turned over to the local RSL - they'll know how to deal with him

Northern Territory News

WWII memorabilia believed to have been taken from a protected Darwin shipwreck is being offered for sale on the internet.

A Melbourne vendor is asking more than $200 for the World War II ship compass, which he believes came from either the USS Peary or the USAT Meigs.

But his bid for quick cash has hit a snag, with the NT Government asking internet auction site eBay to remove the item until it authenticity can be verified.

The vendor claims he bought the compass from an antique dealer in Darwin eight years ago.

The dealer told him the item was recovered from a US Navy ship that sunk in the Bombing of Darwin on February 19, 1942.

"It could possibly be from the USS Peary or the USAT Meigs ship," the vendor explains on eBay.

The antique dealer told the vendor he believed it was an E.S. Ritchie and Sons Boston liquid compass, which was commonly used by the US Navy. The eBay picture matches a picture of the same compass on the National Museum of American History website. The item was offered for sale on Sunday but is yet to receive a bid.

The NT Environment Department last night confirmed it was in talks with eBay to have the item removed after receiving advice from the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.

The WWII shipwrecks located in Darwin Harbour, including the USS Peary and USAT Meigs, were legislated as protected heritage sites in February 1995 under the NT Heritage Conservation Act.

Parts of these shipwrecks were subject to salvage up to early 1960s, but the removal of objects after February 1995 would be in breach of the Heritage Conservation Act and could result in a $10,000 fine or 12 months' jail.

The Northern Territory News revealed earlier this month that rogue divers were raiding the heritage-listed Darwin wrecks.
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Antipodean Andy · Aug 25, 2008

What a tool. Doesn't matter how many times you say these things are historic and protected...

Nostalgair · Aug 25, 2008

There are some amazing wrecks around the Top End.

I used to crawl over wrecked bombers at Kalumburu back in the 80s.

Cheers

Owen

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Harbour wrecks "illegally" sold

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