Boat crashes into Dunbogan Bridge in the Camden Haven area on Mid-North Coast

A boat has crashed into a bridge in the north of the state, creating quite a spectacle and leading to concerns about the integrity of the structure. Here’s what we know.

A boat stuck under a bridge in the Camden Haven area near Port Macquarie.

A boat has crashed into a bridge near Port Macquarie on the Mid-North Coast, creating quite a spectacle and leading to concerns about the integrity of the structure.

Karen Martin captured an image of the large vessel stuck under the Dunbogan Bridge in the Camden Haven area on Wednesday night.

More information has been sought from authorities.

Ms Martin shared the image on a local community Facebook forum, with many suggesting the boat could have been pulled from its mooring and washed down the river in the wild weather.

On Wednesday winds of up to 100 km/h lashed various districts across NSW including the Sydney Metro area, the Hunter District and the Mid-North Coast.

Some commented they had been admiring the boat in recent days with Facebook user Matty Matt-Matt posting” ‘Ouch! $$$$$’

A Marine Rescue NSW spokesperson said they were not called to the incident.

The Camden Haven River.

Transport for NSW is aware of the situation.

“While we are investigating the details, we have promptly notified Port Macquarie Hastings Council, who own the bridge,” the spokesperson said.

As of Thursday afternoon, the incident had not been formally reported to Transport for NSW Maritime.

“We urge all vessel operators to fulfil their duty by reporting any boating incidents in the state’s ports or waterways within 24 hours.

“This not only ensures compliance with regulations but also contributes to the safety of everyone on our waterways.”

Failure to comply with this requirement is an offence.

On Thursday evening a Port Macquarie Hastings Council representative said they had been informed by NSW Maritime of the vessel “impacting” the Dunbogan bridge.

“As the incident occurred on a waterway, investigation and reporting by NSW Maritime is envisaged.

“Based on the nature of the incident, only very minor damage - if any at all - would be anticipated, meaning a structural assessment is unlikely to be required.”

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Originally published as Boat crashes into Dunbogan Bridge in the Camden Haven area on Mid-North Coast