Difficult launch leaves fishos floundering

Where there is a boat ramp, there is always the potential for trouble.

This group of fisherman had that sinking feeling when they attempted to launch their boat near Dundee.

Where there is a boat ramp, there is always the potential for trouble.

This was the case on Saturday afternoon at a boat ramp near Dundee Beach.

One witness, who did not wish to be named, said they had headed down to do a spot of fishing.

As they arrived a group were preparing to launch their boat.

“As the driver of the car backed down the ramp, the tyres of the boat trailer dropped over the edge of the ramp which in turn plunged the back of the boat under the water of the rising tide,” the witness said.

Going...

The boat owners tried to pull the boat back out but the trailer hitch snapped at the worst possible moment.

The rushing tide caused the boat to get caught on the trailer and it swiftly overturned.

Gone.

The boat remained underwater at the ramp until late afternoon as the owners waited for high tide to lift the boat further up the ramp, then for the tide to go down again so they could flip the boat.

“A warning to all be careful - this was a competent boater. Check your gear and make sure all is in working order,” another witness said.