‘An inch, and we were gone’: bridge disaster remembered

Hobart: It was a night to remember, or rather, a night no one wants to relive. On January 5, 1975, the Lake Illawarra was heading straight for the Tasman Bridge. Crewman Graham Kemp spotted the bridge just in time, but it was too late.

The ship was off course, and the captain was struggling to regain control. As the vessel collided with the bridge, chaos erupted. The bridge collapsed, and in a matter of minutes, the ship sank.

Seven crew members, including Kemp, lost their lives that night. Tragically, five people in cars also plunged into the River Derwent. It was a disaster that shook the community to its core.

Frank Manley, who was driving with his family, remembers the moment the lights of the bridge went out. He felt the ground shift beneath him and realized they were inches away from disaster. “Another inch, and we would have been gone,” he said, recalling the panic that ensued.

As the dust settled, the community came together. People in small boats risked their lives to rescue the crew from the sinking ship. Bob Clifford, a local ferry operator, quickly mobilized his boats to help, showing incredible bravery.

The aftermath was tough. The bridge was a vital link for the city, and its loss caused significant disruption. It took nearly three years to rebuild, costing millions. But the community rallied, and eventually, the bridge reopened in 1977.

Today, a memorial stands at Rosny Esplanade, honoring the 12 lives lost that fateful night. As the 50th anniversary approaches, the city remembers the tragedy and the resilience of its people.

Mr. Manley, now 94, reflects on that night with a mix of sorrow and gratitude. “You wear into it, like a new pair of boots,” he said, acknowledging the lasting impact of the disaster on his life and the community.

On January 5, a private commemoration will be held for the families affected, ensuring that the memories of those lost are never forgotten.