The tug, AT 2700 JOE MANN and her sister ship AS 2701 THE LUKE, entered service in 1963 – JOE MANN with 35 Water Transport Squadron at Woolwich and THE LUKE with 34 Water Transport Squadron at Bulimba.
Both were sold in the early 1990s. Up until now their fate was pretty well unknown until Garry McIvor spotted the JOE MANN in Sydney. He explained his sighting as follows:
“I don’t know if the Association is aware, but I was boating on the Georges River at the weekend and came across the Joe Mann looking as though she was being looked after pretty well. As we were pulling away, a chap came down to the wharf and told us that she belonged to a Richard Paget. I don’t know if anyone knows him – he’s apparently ex–Navy. Just thought I’d mention it in case anyone was interested. She’s moored at the Lugarno Seafood Restaurant at Lugarno and the bloke said that Richard Paget is on board most week days.”
Many thanks for that piece of info Garry. I’m sure quite a few members served on her and would be pleased to know that she’s still in good shape. Does anyone have any news of what happened to THE LUKE?