The case of the missing bucket

By Sheree Hoddinett 

Who would have thought that one little bucket could mean so much? But for Karen Casley and her family, this little bucket brings with it a myriad of tales spanning 10 years.  

Full of positivity, Karen posted on Facebook asking the Bribie community to keep an eye out for the bucket, now affectionately named Wilson by one of the locals – Terry. The bucket was dropped over the side at Bongaree opposite Anita’s Beach late one morning in early January, whilst washing the hull. There was a current at the time, but the bucket went straight down. Before they set sail again, Karen noted the coordinates 27° 5.37' S, 153° 9.47' E. 

“The bucket came with our catamaran ‘All Together’ that we bought in Turkey in 2015 after selling most of our possessions, when our three boys were aged four, six and nine,” Karen said. “The boat (and the bucket) travelled nine countries then we managed to bring it home to Brisbane by crossing the Atlantic, passing through the Panama Canal and then island hopping across the Pacific to Brisbane.” 

The bucket in question is made of heavy recycled tyre rubber, slightly smaller than usual size, has a metal handle and a royal blue rope attached a metre or so long.  

“The bucket was very sentimental as we used it every day for five years for a wide variety of tasks helping our family to live simply at sea,” Karen explains. “We had very few possessions. It is virtually indestructible, a reliable constant in our past life that I didn’t want to let go of. Every time I use the bucket I say to hubby, ‘this bucket has been with us since the beginning’.   

“I never imagined I’d be so sentimental about an old bucket! ‘Wilson’ survived rough seas - only for me to lose it at Bongaree. Honestly, I’d rather lose gold jewellery than that bucket!” 

Despite knowing the chances of finding ‘Wilson’ are quite low, Karen remains hopeful with fingers and toes crossed “some dear Bribie Island local can help us and save me from feeling so sad about a silly bucket”. 

“The community has been beautiful with an inundation of messages,” Karen said. “Many residents are invested in a good outcome. There have been offers to snorkel and dive for the bucket, as well as a lovely gentleman, Steven, who offered to gift his bucket, which is exactly the same if ‘Wilson’ is gone forever.  

“I have my fingers crossed. One lady joked that her glasses may be down there - wouldn’t that be a double win?! We will certainly let the community know if we find it.” 

The family has offered for anyone lucky enough to find ‘Wilson’, to join them for a drink on their boat, plus a carton of beer or their favourite tipple.  

“We are so touched by the response over a silly old bucket that we have considered moving to Bribie. A great bunch of people live here!” Karen said. “Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out or offered to help in any way, we really appreciate it.”  

Here’s hoping ‘Wilson’ is found and can be reunited with this family!