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04/09/2005: "ALBY ZIEBELL 1949- 2003 Barrier Reef Cruises"

Captain and 2nd owner of the world famous charter boat Coralita, was Alby Ziebell.

He purchased the vessel from legendary pioneer Wally Muller and ran international dive trips from 1985 to 1991, a professional operation specialising with The Coral Sea destinations.

Initially the home port was Yeppoon. Alby soon realised that the northern city of Cairns had more potential and an international airport so the family moved there. Wife Irene, children Ian and Rickki.

Amongst his more significant underwater discoveries were schooling hammerhead sharks at Osprey Reef.

Previously in Tasmania, while working as a professional abalone diver he found a small bottom-dwelling hand fish he later collected and studied. A previously unknown species it's now called Zeibell's Hand Fish.

Also an accomplished uw photographer his beautiful pictures were in demand especially by high quality publishers.

Alby died while returning from a fishing safari to remote country north of Cairns. After quitting dive tours he had turned his skills toward tackle fishing. Like everything this was mastered and Alby became a recognised authority in that field as well, with many friends and admirers.

Alby had a regular radio spot, ran marlin fishing expeditions and boat charters and enjoyed the ecological enjoyment of catch and release fishing.

To be continued......