The Pontoons in the Jervois Basin Ships’ Graveyard

Whilst kayaking in the Jervois Basin during 2022, I visited the ships’ graveyard to be found there. I thought that I might revisit the abandoned wreck of the Alert there, but I only managed to find what appears to be one of the two pontoons there instead.

The Fish Market Pontoon in 2022

I successfully found the Alert in November 2025, but not before finding the pontoon again. As mentioned above, there are, in fact, two pontoons.

Details regarding these two pontoons can be found on the Jervois Basin Ships' Graveyard Maritime Heritage Trail web page.

There is the Fish Market Pontoon and the Unnamed Pontoon. There is a Fact Sheet for both the Fish Market Pontoon and the Unnamed Pontoon.

The wooden Fish Market Pontoon is said to be “the remains of a pontoon that once serviced the Port Adelaide Fishing Fleet on the northeast side of the Jervois Bridge prior to their move to the North Arm. This was the former site of the Port Adelaide Fish Market. In about 1960 the pontoon was removed and abandoned on the Ethelton mud flats.”

The Unnamed Pontoon in 2025

The wooden Unnamed Pontoon is said to be “An unidentified wooden pontoon (that) lies in the south-eastern section of the Log Pool. Although its origin is unknown, fittings and other structure suggest that the pontoon was possibly a platform for one of the floating cranes that moved about the Port.”

The Unnamed Pontoon in 2025

The fact sheet for the Fish Market Pontoon says, “Circa 1960 the wooden pontoon was removed and abandoned high on the Ethelton mudflats. Today the remains are a predominant feature in the area. The lower sections are intact with most frames and some iron fittings clearly evident.”

The Fish Market Pontoon in 2022

The fact sheet for the Unnamed Pontoon says, “Although its origin is unknown, fittings and other structure suggest that the pontoon was possibly a platform for one of the floating cranes which moved about the Port.”

The Unnamed Pontoon is said to be “approximately 49 feet (15m) length and 24 feet (7.5m) breadth with the upper deck exposed only during low tides.”

The Fish Market Pontoon in 2025

The Fish Market Pontoon is said to have been “moored on the north-eastern side of the Jervois Bridge, which became the site of the Port Adelaide Fish Market. A floating wooden pontoon, connected to the wharf via a gangway, provided a landing platform for the fishing tenders. The pontoon also offered safe and easy access for customers buying the fresh fish on offer from the fishermen.”

The Fish Market Pontoon in 2025