On 5 January 2016, the 25-metre sailing ketch Defender sank at its moorings in Ross Creek. Built by George Frost in 1895 in Kincumber, New South Wales, she was one of the few surviving Australian coastal trading ketches.
Towards the end of 2016 she was raised by the Townsville-based Pacific Marine Group. Deemed to be beyond salvaging and restoration, she was demolished in June 2017. Some of her fittings, including the wheel, compass, portholes, deck lights, ventilation cowls and screw, have found a new home at the Maritime Museum of Townsville, where some are on display to commemorate an iconic example of Australia's maritime heritage.