It's the 250m long coal ship the Pasha Bulker run aground on Nobby's Beach, which runs behind the Surf Club in the foreground and the lighthouse in the background (behind the lamp post). It was driven onshore by the near-cyclonic conditions during the night and ealy this morning, and as I type another coal ship (the Sea Confidence) is in serious trouble 1 mile offshore with both anchors tangled. A tugboat is trying to get a line to it to help tow it offshore but in failing light and appalling weather it hasn't had any success yet, and atrocious conditions are forecast for tonight.
We are supposed to be travelling off on holidays tonight but roads are closed due to flooding and accidents; it took DH 2.5 hours to get home from work, usually 30 minute trip. All schools closed mid-afternoon, and two young boys were swept into a storm drain just down the road from my house. Fortunately they were rescued and are in hospital tonight in a serious but stable condition.
I think it's a pretty long bow to pull to attribute this freak event to global warming... but what if this is what the future is going to hold for us on a regular basis??!
You can see more pictures of the Pasha Bulker and the helicopter rescue of the 22 crew here.
4 comments:
Yep, we're having some really scary weather, huh. I noticed in the news yesterday that some people are missing due to floods up there. I hope they find them soon.
We're having really awful weather down here too. Very cold and very very windy. No rain though, which is what we need.
I've been checking your blog the last few days and I hope you are okay.
The pictures on the news of your area are horrific. Very sad to hear about the loss of lives.
I hope you and your family and friends came through the storm unscathed.
What a terrible weekend for all in the Hunter.
Hey there, am don
I discovered your blog, via another one, blogpond, what an amazing picture. We most certainly live in Interesting times. Hope that you guys do not get a repeat...
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