Stannard Bros. Launch Services Pty Ltd disposed of a number of US Army Wartime 45' Tugboats, similar to the US Army WT85 Protrude when their commercial life expired.
According to Larry Elliott who dived on these wrecks and salvaged a number of items they were sunk because after having sold at least one to a private buyer they became incensed when he immediately set up in opposition to them.
One of the 45' Tugs was saved however when former Stannards worker Aaron Maher convinced the company that he would not use the boat commercially. That boat was the last of the Ernest Wright & Son Shipyards, Tuncurry built 45' tugs to be still afloat and in survey in March 2016. It was the US Army WT85 Koolya/Protrude built in 1943 and launched in early 1944.
Following its life in the US Army it passed to Nicholson Bros. Harbour Transport Pty Ltd who used it on Sydney Harbour from around 1947. Stannard Bros. Launch Services Pty Ltd were the next owners before its sale to Aaron Maher for $3,000. Alan Draper, prominent Lady Kendal II Ferry owner of Gosford purchased the boat but soon sold it to Murray McDonald of Booker Bay Marina. Larry Elliott purchased the tug in around 1989-90 for $2,500 and after spending a considerable amount of money restoring the boat it was sold to David Winning, the current Owner for $7,000.
The boat remains in survey and has been used in recent times on a non commercial basis to assist with salvage and boat rescue after several serious storms in the Gosford area. US Army WT 85 Protrude is moored currently in March 2016 at Gosford Breakwater, NSW