Boat drama highlights need for better ramp

Another close call at one of Broome’s boat ramps has angered those pushing for improved launching facilities in the town.

Broome Boating Alliance member Liz Locke was at the Broome Fishing Club overlooking Entrance Point about 4.30pm on Friday as a storm front passed close to town, bringing strong easterly winds and whipping up a considerable swell in Roebuck Bay. She said the driver of the boat came in close to the eastern ramp to drop off the passenger so their car could be driven to the port slipway to retrieve the boat in more sheltered conditions.

“That front came through and you could have surfed out there,” Mrs Locke said.

“A wave caught them and the boat basically came in sideways onto the ramp and they were getting bashed on to the ramp and rocks.

“We all saw it from the fishing club and ran down to help by holding it there until the tide went out, had no one else been there they were in trouble.”

Mrs Locke said the boat had to be held in place for about two hours before the tide receded enough for a vehicle to be driven onto the sand to winch the boat onto the trailer.

She said the near-miss again highlighted the urgent need for an all-weather boat launching facility in Broome.