Port Denison residents concerned grounded 80-tonne vessel exceeding berthing limit will cause damage if lifted

Port Denison residents are concerned a yacht more than 26m long that was grounded on a shallow reef at the harbour could damage surrounding vessels after anchoring without permission earlier this month. Despite a 50-tonne berthing limit at the Port Denison Boat Harbour, the 80t Azure II yacht anchored at the harbour more than three weeks ago and became grounded on reef at low tide. A Port Denison resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was concerned other vessels in the harbour could be damaged if the vessel floated free and believed the Department of Transport needed to take more notice of the situation. He said the 2.8m swell forecast for Saturday could push the vessel off the reef. “Where the boat is stranded breaks with a big swell, so this moderate swell will provide some movement,” he said. Shadow transport minister and Opposition Leader Shane Love said he had been in touch with the transport minister and it was time the department took action. “The lack of activity points to a department that appears to be lacking experience and resources in the Mid West region,” he said. “This vessel is well over the 50t limit for the harbour and it’s been in the Port Denison harbour now for more than three weeks. “If the vessel was to drift into other boats in the harbour, it could prove disastrous.” It’s understood the vessel was purchased by a landholder in the area for recreational purposes and has come from overseas. Department of Transport acting director of coastal infrastructure Shelley Grice said the department was aware a large recreational vessel was grounded within the waters of the Port Denison Boat Harbour and was hoping the owner would remove the vessel during high tide last week. Ms Grice said DoT was working with the owner to have it removed. “DoT is in constant communication, working closely with the owner of a large recreational vessel that has become grounded within the waters of the Port Denison Boat Harbour,” she said. “The vessel, which is larger than the maximum size allowed in the harbour, anchored in the mooring control area earlier this month without permission and became grounded on the reef.” Ms Grice said the undamaged vessel was secured by two anchors which would hold the vessel in place once refloated. “DoT’s regional team is closely monitoring the vessel and has requested further information from the owner about its planned removal,” she said. “It’s hoped the owner will be able to free it on the high tide next week.” The department has recommended the owner seek anchorage within the Geraldton Port via the Mid West Ports Authority. Penalties for failing to comply with a direction could result in a $200 fine.