Ranadi shoreline in east Honiara has been awashed with logging barges, landing crafts, and a tug-boat – courtesy of the current bad weather.
These vessels, anchored off the coast, could not stand the strong winds and high swells on Friday evening, forcing them to rest along-side other wrecks already lining the shoreline.
Yesterday, owners of these vessels brought in a crane and other machineries to try salvage their assets.
An eye-witness who lived in the area told the Sunday it happened so fast.
“We were here on Friday afternoon when the strong wind and high swells started hitting the shoreline,” the eye-witness, who only wants to be called Mathias, said.
“The barges, landing crafts, and the tug-boat over there could not withstand the force of the wind,” Mathias added.
“It happened so fast. The next thing we realised is all the vessels were washed ashore.
“Those staying on board the landing craft and the tug-boat could not do anything. In fact they’ve escaped well ahead.
“No one was killed, which is good news,” Mathias said.
When the Sunday Star visited the scene yesterday, a crane was brought in to salvage a bulldozer from the bottom of the sea.
Other logging machineries that were on board one of the barges were also swept away into the sea.
The tragedy came as the Weather Office last night issued a tropical disturbance for Western, Russell, Isabel, Guadalcanal, Makira and Rennell & Bellona.
The Weather Office said the disturbance is expected to bring gale force winds of 34 to 47 knots to develop over Rennell & Bellona, Guadalcanal, Central, Makira, Malaita, and southern parts of Western and Isabel.
“Winds will continue to further develop within the next 12 to 24 hours,” the office said.
“Seas will be moderate to rough with moderate swells and coastal flooding with heavy rain at times and squally thunderstorms.
“People should take precautionary measures as bad weather associated with the tropical depression poses threats to lives and properties.”
Meanwhile, the heavy rain warning remains for all provinces.
“People living close to rivers, streams and low lying areas are therefore strongly advised to take precautionary measures because of flash flooding or flooding which may pose danger to lives and property.
“Motorists are also advised to use extreme caution when travelling in these areas. Never attempt to cross rivers and large streams of unknown depth,” the Weather office said.
By CHARLEY PIRINGI
