January 18th, 2007

Asbestos removal experts in Queensland, Australia, will be removing a contaminated tourist attraction to ensure the safety of locals, according to the state government. Officials have confirmed that the demolition and removal of the attraction will begin soon.

The asbestos laden Cherry Venture shipwreck is located on Teewah Beach on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. Five demolition and asbestos removal experts will be tackling the job in early February, and the contaminated attraction will be dismantled and removed.

The shipwreck was actually on its way from Auckland to Brisbane when it was grounded in a cyclone in the early 1970s, and an attempt was even made to set it afloat again in the late 1970s. This has proven a popular attraction, but tourists visiting and exploring the wreck risk their health.

One official stated: "Time and tides have well and truly taken their toll on the ship.... The wreck is in an advanced state of deterioration which has made it structurally unsound."