# Seizure of MV Cape Don in Sydney Harbour

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/seizure-of-mv-cape-don-in-sydney-harbour
> Updated: 2026-10-24T20:00:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

NSW Maritime authorities have seized the MV Cape Don, a 2,000-tonne historic lighthouse tender, due to concerns regarding its deteriorating condition. Officials cited risks to public safety and the environment, noting that hull corrosion and potential chemical leaks could lead to the vessel sinking. The government has indicated the seizure is for ‘safe disposal’ and estimates salvage costs could reach approximately $15 million.

The vessel, built in 1963, is owned by the Sea Heritage Foundation, a volunteer-run charity. The Foundation is challenging the seizure, disputing the assessment that the ship is at immediate risk of sinking and asserting that the underwater hull remains sound. They have called for the release of independent professional evidence used to justify the decision and are demanding an independent inspection to prevent the ship from being scrapped.

The MV Cape Don holds significant historical value as Australia’s last Commonwealth Lighthouse Service tender and has been used for scientific expeditions and training programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, veterans, and researchers.

## Claims

- NSW Maritime has seized the MV Cape Don for ‘safe disposal’. (reported by 3 sources)
- The MV Cape Don was built at the NSW State Dockyard in Newcastle in 1963. (reported by 3 sources)
- The Sea Heritage Foundation is demanding an independent inspection of the vessel. (reported by 3 sources)
- The Sea Heritage Foundation claims the vessel's underwater hull is sound. (reported by 3 sources)
- The vessel was decommissioned from the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service in 1990. (reported by 3 sources)
- The vessel has been used to train Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, veterans, and researchers. (reported by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: MV Cape Don faces disposal following NSW Government seizure

The Sea Heritage Foundation is contesting the NSW Government's seizure of the MV Cape Don, a historic 1963 lighthouse tender, demanding an independent inspection to prevent its disposal.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mv-cape-don-faces-disposal-following-nsw-government-seizure

### 2026-10-17: MV Cape Don seized by NSW authorities near Sydney Harbour

NSW authorities have seized the historic MV Cape Don at Waverton, citing environmental and safety risks due to hull decay and potential $15 million salvage costs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mv-cape-don-seized-by-nsw-authorities-near-sydney-harbour

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Cite as: Seizure of MV Cape Don in Sydney Harbour. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/seizure-of-mv-cape-don-in-sydney-harbour