Pam and David’s Renmark houseboat home of 23 years destroyed by massive falling gum tree

Two grandparents were left “trapped in their armchairs” when a huge falling gum tree destroyed their Riverland houseboat – now their granddaughter is trying to help.

An elderly couple were left “trapped in their armchairs” when a massive gum tree fell on their houseboat home of 23 years at Renmark earlier in the week.

The tree fell on Pam and David’s Murray River houseboat in high winds on Tuesday, leaving the pair “panicked” and “helpless” and their home destroyed.

The pair were trapped, but luckily their mobile phones were just within reach, according to their granddaughter Shenay Harris.

“They called emergency services in a panic and waited helplessly to be rescued,” she said.

“While they miraculously came through this ordeal with only minor injuries, their home was completely destroyed and they now face a long road of emotional recovery ahead.”

Shenay has since started a GoFundMe, fundraising to help her Nan and Pop “rebuild their lives”.

Pamela and David had their Murray River houseboat destroyed by a falling gum tree last Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

She said the couple had recently been told their insurance company cancelled the coverage of their houseboat, saying the policy could no longer be honoured because they live on their boat full-time.

“Your generosity would go towards a new place for them to live, some furniture and appliances, and of course the clean up and removal of what’s left of the houseboat,” she said.

The houseboat was crushed by a giant gum tree near the Renmark boat ramp. Picture: 7NEWS

The couple have now lost their home. Picture: 7NEWS,

The houseboat was their home for 23 years. Picture: 7NEWS

Pamela and David had their Murray River home destroyed by the falling tree.

The housboat as it used to look.

The houseboat was completely destroyed by the falling tree.

David, 82, spent countless hours painting the exterior of the boat – Pamela’s Joy – with his iteration of the Australian outback landscape.

“(There were) various birds, possums, koalas, trees and of course, a depiction of himself and Pam, with a drink in one hand and a fishing rod in the other,” Shenay said.

Shenay said the boat had become a staple of the Murray River for both locals and tourists.

“Local boat tours would sail past daily, with tourists intrigued by the pride, effort and detail David had gone to … to give people a giggle and something to talk about,” she said.

At the time of writing, Shenay has raised more than $1600 of her $50,000 target, and is pleading with the community to continue helping her grandparents.

“So here’s cheers to my Nan and Pop – two true blue Aussie battlers,” she said.

“Thank you for taking the time to hear their story.”

Tay & Em Whitehead offered their support with a $400 donation.

“Sending all our love your way while you navigate this long road ahead,” they wrote.

Originally published as Pam and David’s Renmark houseboat home of 23 years destroyed by massive falling gum tree