Devastation at Airlie Beach and Cannonvale
by Bob Norson on 15 Feb 2008
Storm damage - Airlie Beach/Cannonvale Jim Gard, Fusion Catamarans Airlie Beach
http://www.fusioncats.com.au
Yesterday and this morning (Monday 11 and Tuesday 12th February) strong northerly winds with heavy rain, ripped through the exposed and crowded anchorage off Airlie Beach and Cannonvale leaving much of the fleet on the bricks and many others damaged by collision with dragging boats. Late yesterday warnings were being made of 40+ knots to come and they did.
Earlier today (Tuesday 12th) helicopters were rescuing 32 passengers from the charter vessel 'Romance' according to an ABC report. The large gaff schooner was on the rocks at Hook Island and the passengers were reported to be lifted off to Hayman Island. The seas were reported as too rough and rocks too dangerous to risk another boat.
The same storm broke a bulk coal carrier off it's mooring near Mackay Queensland which then slammed into the jetty at Hay Point, leaving a reported 30 foot gash in her port side.
These photos courtesy of Jim Gard of Fusion Catamarans, Airlie Beach and The Coastal Passage - http://www.thecoastalpassage.com
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