Harbour Defence Motor Launch 1321 (HDML 1321) is known for her extraordinary service during WW2 behind enemy lines with Z Special Forces. During the 1950's HDML 1321 was used as a training ship and renamed Rushcutter. In 1971 she was sold to a private owner. HDML 1321 sank at her moorings in Darwin Harbour at 7.55am 19 October 2016 and efforts to save her for future generations is underway.

Saturday, 19 November 2016

HDML 1321 On Dry Land

HDML 1321 aka: Rushcutter at Bhagwan Marine east arm facility Darwin

HDML 1321 is on dry land however her future remains uncertain.


The 1321 is currently on the shoreline at the Darwin Bhagwan Marine East Arm facility where she is getting drenched with every high tide. Other salvaged wrecks are being burned just meters away from her.

Bhagwan Marine Office

Bhagwan Marine have given a deadline of Friday 25th to have the ship removed from the facility.

This short time frame does not give the "Save 1321" team much time to make arrangements and raise funds to have the vessel removed. It is our hope that Bhagwan Marine head office will step in and direct the Darwin branch to allow more time for the ship to be relocated.


Dijana Damjanovic reports:
ABC News MV Rushcutter: World War II boat back on dry land in Darwin but future remains uncertain.




During the salvage operation HDML 1321 slipped and had to be re-lifted. Some damage was sustained during this process, however it will not effect restoration preservation or the ability to display the vessel. 
"Damage is to the superstructure that doesn't belong there, To restore her we would take just about everything above deck level off, except for that small deck-house which can just be seen behind the large cabin , that is part of the original ship. As can be seen on the model below, her real cabins are completely different, and the Taffrail is cable on stanchions, not a solid rail, so she is not as bad as she looks.'  Bro Palmer
Model of HDML 1321

Temporary housing for the vessel is being sought as well as lifting and transportation to a new site. Anyone willing to offer assistance is encouraged to contact us.

NB: updated on 15 February to reflect the intentions of the Save Motor Launch 1321 Inc. to 'stabilise and preserve' the vessel rather then to restore it to war time condition.

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