Two derelict boats removed from Patonga
Patonga residents helped the Clean4Shore crew remove two derelict vessels wedged in the mangroves opposite the boat ramp in Patonga Creek on Saturday, May 3, according to Clean4Shore co-ordinator Mr Graham "Jono" Johnston.
A four-wheel-drive was used to tow an old fishing boat across the creek.
After many unsuccessful attempts to dig the boat out, breaking an old rope and bogging the truck, when some quality rope was used, the old boat slid across the water to be loaded onto the car trailer, he said.
The vessel weighed 500 kilograms.
The prospect of moving a derelict orange vessel drew a large crowd as the boat was winched clear of the rocks, then successfully towed to the tidal island in the middle of the creek.
There it became stuck, full of water due to a large hole in the hull.
Mr Johnston said several tow ropes were broken in the attempt to move it.
The "table of knowledge" offered many suggestions, he said.
However the vessel was stuck.
Eventually, with the assistance of Coastwide Towing, the vessel was winched across the sand bar, and onto the car trailer.
Mr Johnstone said there was plenty of further consultation between Clean4shore and the locals about a larger timber vessel further up the creek and a steel pontoon on the main beach.
SOURCE:
Social media, 5 May 2024
Graham Johnston, Clean4shore