Snapshot in Time: Did you know the maiden voyage of Geraldton’s iconic yellow submarine was also its last?

An icon of Geraldton in years gone by, the yellow submarine was designed by Herbert Graham and built in Dongara in 1968.

Many people believe that it was made for catching western rock lobsters, while others are of the opinion that it was intended for retrieving treasure from shipwrecks.

Its actual purpose was to catch green rock lobsters and prawns in a special net system by attracting them with electronic pulses.

It underwent sea trials at Geraldton on September 6, 1968, which were soon aborted due to toxic fumes from the car batteries that powered it.

The importation of special sealed batteries from the US never eventuated, and the yellow submarine’s maiden voyage was also its last.

The vessel was then donated to the WA Museum Geraldton, where it stood for many years. It was later relocated to the foreshore in front of the Sail Inn.

When it deteriorated, the Rotary Club of Batavia Coast took possession of the submarine and undertook extensive repairs.

For a time, it was to be located at 440 Roadhouse, but will now be returned to the Geraldton foreshore.

Snapshots is an initiative of the Geraldton Regional Library. For more information, or to donate a historical photo or slide contact 9956 6659 or library@cgg.wa.gov.au