Geraldton community bands together to rescue beached catamaran during severe weather conditions

This week’s wild weather was no match for the power of teamwork as the community banded together to rescue a catamaran and its crew after it came ashore on Geraldton’s front beach. The large vessel had to be towed by the Mid West Ports Authority on Monday afternoon, with at least two people on board, during the worst of the severe weather conditions, which brought massive swells and wind gusts of almost 90km/h. Community members and off-duty port workers helped the vessel off the beach as the prospect of even larger swells caused concerns. Indre Asmussen saw the rescue and said it was a great community effort, with more than 10 volunteers helping to get the boat off shore. “People have just put their minds together. It’s beautiful to watch and I’m impressed,” she said. Ms Asmussen said a private operator and their boat Valiant II pulled the catamaran off the beach. The Geraldton Yacht Club also helped out, storing debris that was washed off the boat. Ms Asmussen said the Mid West Port Authority worked alongside others in a fantastic team effort in treacherous conditions. She said there should be a discount for sailors to keep their boats safe during times of severe weather. “It would be good if (the Department of Transport) had pens during a storm, or ways of waiving fees during storm periods,” she said. “We should look at these options. We need a safe haven for boats for people who can’t afford it.”