CERBERUS IV prior to restoration in 2008

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Cerberus IV

Vessel numberHV000329

Designer Arthur Swinfield

Builder Brooks Robinson

Date1945

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 13.72 m x 4.23 m x 1.8 m, 30 tonnes (45 ft x 13.88 ft x 5.91 ft, 30.48 tons)

DescriptionIt is understood that CERBERUS IV was built for the Australian Army by Brooks Robinson Pty Ltd in Melbourne Victoria and finished just after the end of World War II. It was originally ordered as AT 1511 BURRION but was transferred from the Army to the Royal Australian Navy. It was then attached to the naval shore establishment HMAS CERBERUS at Westernport, Victoria and served as the name ship for that base until 1958. It was sold in that year as a private vessel and renamed INDIAN PACIFIC.

However some confusion exists about the true identity of these surviving tugs and CERBERUS IV may have had a different builder and original name.

The tug is heavily constructed in the typical manner of these carvel planked vessels and much of the planking and internal structure remains original with repairs being done due to deterioration.

CERBERUS IV is similar to both NABILLA (HV000083) and BAREKI (HV000028).

SignificanceCERBERUS IV is one of the wartime wooden tugs or tow boats as they were also known, designed in Sydney by Arthur Swinfield, and built in many different Australian yards during World War II for military service. A relatively small but unknown number have survived and CERBERUS IV, now more than 60 years old, is an operating example still largely in its original configuration. In 2009 it was being restored in northern Queensland to be used as a private motor vessel.