SAVING TORRES STRAIT PEARLS and the restoration of historic Torres Strait pearling lugger ANTONIA A99 is aimed at preserving and promoting the history of recruiting and pearling in Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait. Big Esso to former crew including Uncle Henry Garnier, Uncle George Dorante, Uncle Bernard Sailer, Uncle Vincent Dorante, the families of former crew of Antonia and other luggers including Sabatino, Savage, Mills, David, Dorante, Gela, Ware and Solomon. Also Big Esso to the Warraber Island singers and Uncle for singing some of Antonia's songs during our visits to Thursday Island, Hammond Island, Horn Island and Warraber Island earlier this year. Thank you to Uncle Pedro Stephen, Uncle Seaman Dan, Uncle Wilson David, Uncle Nona Nona and Christine Anu for yarning to us as well. Thank you to Anne Zafer, daughter of original owner Jack Zafer, and to Russel and Romena Fuji of Thursday Island and Bill Wright from original builders Norman Wright and Sons. A documentary is currently being produced on ANTONIA A99, recruiting and pearling including songs, stories and dances that have been recording during trips to the Torres Strait and throughout Queensland, with the support of the Australian National Maritime Museum. Historical footage of Antonia A99 is from the 1960 film "Pearlers of the Coral Sea" from the National Film and Sound Archive.

• published: 01 Oct 2013
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