This 1931-built 100 metre Steamship has been beached in the sands of Le Barcares, since June 1967.
She was originally Adelaide Steamship Company’s MOONTA for Australian coastal service, with accommodation for 140 berthed passengers. MOONTA’s weekly Adelaide-based itinerary served Port Lincoln, Port Germein, Port Pine, Port Augusta, and Port Hughes. She remained in this service throughout the war, until being withdrawn in 1955.
The 298 by 44 foot, liner was next sold to SEMETA (Société d’Economie Mixte d’Etudes et d’Amenagement des Pyrenees Orientales) to be used a symbol to mark the creation of future resorts,Ports Barcarès and Leucate. A special basin was cut into the sands where the ship was berthed, then filled in, making her a permanent fixture at the Mediterranean resort. .
She is now part of a leisure complex which boasts a spa, casino, restaurants, bars, disco, laser shows, a pool with waterslide, and exhibitions.