Two lucky to escape after heavy seas swamp boat in storm

as posted here


Two people were lucky to escape after their dinghy overturned in heavy seas off Rockingham during last night’s storm.
The couple, a 20 year-old man and a 23 year-old woman were on their way to check on their yacht in Mangles Bay when their dinghy was swamped in the rough conditions about 6.30pm.

The pair managed to swim to their yacht and clamber aboard but were unable to return to the shore.

Water Police and the Rockingham Volunteer Sea Rescue Group later rescued the pair after friends, concerned for their welfare, raised the alarm just after 9.30pm.

Water police said the rescue served as a timely reminder for people to have safety equipment such as life jackets, flares and EPIRB’s on board when out on the water.

“It is also important to have some form of communication equipment, such as a marine radio or a mobile phone, to alert authorities to emergency situations quickly,” a police spokesperson said.

The historic pylon at Cottesloe Beach was knocked down overnight, with onlookers today describing conditions at the popular beach as fierce. High seas mean water is lapping at the surf club, and the beach has disappeared under the water.

Meanwhile more than 4000 homes are still without electricity today as Western Power battles to repair powerlines damaged by the storm.

The worst affected areas are in Canning Vale and Huntingdale where 2500 homes are without power.

Western Power spokeswoman Marisa Chapman said engineers were also facing issues at Mt Helena and Parkerville where trees knocked over powerlines.

“We still got a lot of work to do and there is a potential that people maybe without power for the rest of the day. It all depends on the weather and the amount of work. By lunch time we should have an idea on what the situation would be,” she said.

Since yesterday, SES volunteers have dealt with about 260 call outs and this morning are still dealing with hazards in Cockburn, Gosnells, Kalamunda and Swan.

Perth Metro SES operations manager Glenn Hall said most of the call outs related to localised flooding and trees falling over roads.

“We don’t expect the storm to be as bad as yesterday but people should still take precautions,” Mr Hall said.

Most of the hazards have been in Perth where 35 calls for help were made followed by Rockingham, 32, and Stirling, 28.

The Weather Bureau has this morning issued yet another alert, warning of possible widespread damaging winds, destructive gusts and abnormally high tides.

Wind speeds are expected to reach 125kmh while there is also a possibility of hail with the chance of a thunderstorm.

Rain is expected to continue for much of the day with temperatures reaching a maximum of 17C.

The State Emergency Service advises people to put away or weigh down loose objects, move vehicles under cover then stay inside away from windows when strong winds develop.

Boat owners should ensure boats are securely moored.

If caught outside find shelter away from trees, powerlines, storm water drains and streams.

If driving through heavy rain slow down and turn your lights on or if visibility becomes low, pull over and park.

For SES assistance call 132 500.

PERTH
LEE RONDGAGER
as posted here