In July 1967, the Swan River Conservation Board gave permission to the Goldfields Metals Company to strip and sink a sixty ton steel barge in Blackwall Reach. The board reluctantly agreed, fearing it would create a precedent and others might seek a similar concession. However, this particular vessel had about one foot of concrete in the bottom making it extremely difficult to get ashore in order to cut up. Also, it had been explained to members of the Board that permission to tow the vessel through the Fremantle Harbour had been denied by the Port Authority because they were fearful of it accidently sinking enroute.