The gale force winds grew during the day in the afternoon getting over 90kts and gusting higher in the evening. The anchor was holding her steady, keeping the boat pointing into the large storm surge waves. That was until another boat hit the bow breaking the anchor chain. It only took minutes to reach the shore. The high winds and storm surge waves lifted the boat well up the beach and dropping her on her side.
In daylight it is obvious it would take a crane and tug boat to get her back in the water.
So there she lies, a 50m ketch, with no way of getting her off the beach. The Blue Gold has been the talking point since cyclone Pam put her on the beach in 2015. A sobering reminder of how mother nature can turn on you so fast.
That is why I always check the weather and I’m always cautious when anchoring on these coral shelves near the shore. Unfortunately in these islands you have no choice as the drop offs can be 100m deep.
Danielle and Wilson kayaked around the bay to have a closer look at the beached yacht. Over the years she has been stripped of most parts. The owners are still paying the villagers every month while trying to work out what to do with the Blue Gold.
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