Aussie Floods Wreck Dozens of Boats

Here on the West Coast of the U.S. we’re slowly drying out after enduring a string of heavy rain storms. But the clean-up process here is nothing compared to what residents of Bundaberg, Australia face. Recent storms there caused the worst flooding in at least 40 years. Rapidly rising waters completely inundated some homes and set loose dozens of moored boats.

Local sources estimate that at least 70 boats — mostly those moored in the Burnett River near the town center — were set adrift by the fast-moving flood waters. Many were smashed to pieces against seawalls, while other simply drifted out to sea. A number of liveaboards were reportedly stranded aboard for days, but received emergency food and water from police. However, the Bundaberg Port Marina, where many international cruisers berth, was largely unaffected. 

Bundaberg’s commercial port has been closed due to the heavy wind and rain. Authorities say it cannot be reopened until a hydrographic survey is completed. The city, which lies roughly 160 nm north of Brisbane, is a favorite stopover for cruisers traveling along the coast of Queensland.