Trawlers in battle to get over the bar

Photo / NZPA

Two fishing boats struggled to cross the treacherous Grey River bar in heavy seas as they headed into port near Greymouth yesterday.

Big waves were kicked up as the in-flood river surged out at an estimated eight knots to meet the Tasman Sea.

The trawlers were rocked by the vicious cross seas and one seaman dashed for the safety of the wheelhouse as a giant wave crashed down.

Many boats have come to grief on the bar crossing and a memorial in town honours fishermen lost.

One knowledgeable Coaster said the bar was safe to cross if negotiated by an experienced skipper.

- NZPA