PEARLING LUGGERS OF TORRES STRAIT

A group of pearling lugger enthusiasts, known as PLOTS, has recently formed for the purpose of researching, preserving and promoting the maritime heritage of these North Queensland icons

The aim of this collaboration of historians archaeologists, boat builders, owners, skippers, authors, artists, and model makers is to develop a dedicated register/database of the hundreds of luggers that once made up our world-famous Torres Strait pearling fleet.

Of special interest are the precious handful of these unique vessels that have survived as testimony to the craftsmanship of Thursday Island boat builders and artisans.

Whilst a wealth of information exists in our museums and historical institutions, it is scattered, often not easy to access and lacks context. There is also much more secreted in private collections and in the treasured memories of those once involved with the pearl-shell industry, and their descendants.

The objective of PLOTS is to create informal interaction through a cooperative portal, a forum for like-minded people to share their experiences and knowledge enjoying a few stories along the way.