Anyone know more of the story on this? Sad to read this!
www.abc.net.au/news/2016-01-05/vandalism-suspected-historic-tall-ship-sinks-townsville/7068396
Saw that one in 2014 whilst inspecting boats to buy in Townsville wasn't in great condition, might have something to do with it.
My first thought upon reading the article is that a boat or ship does not fall into disrepair, it comes into a state of disrepair through a lack of on going work upon it, having said that it is a shame that this vessel was allowed to get into such a sorry state in the first place, and how could vandalism be the reason this boat sank, It sounds more like wilful damage than vandalism to me, dare I suggest maybe an insurance job?
See link below from Tasmanian Times for a more balanced article on the Defender sinking
tasmaniantimes.com/2016/01/the-publicly-funded-tallship-rusting-and-rotting-in-qld/
Yes that makes much more sense than the first article, strange that two different news articles can be so different in their views about the same event, but then the ABC has never been known for allowing facts to dictate their view of the world.
Sounds like Mr. Dick is expecting the public to dip their hands into their pockets once more to fund his life style.
Timber ships! 
We had the Alma Dopel [of similar size] resting in Port Macquarie for a few years and when I was loosely associated with it I had to dash home several times for my scuba gear to apply patches underwater in areas that had opened up. Interesting exercise trying to locate water coming in when it sounds like someone has left a hose on!!
