Waimarie survives debris from flood

The PS Waimarie was not damaged by this 9m log that became jammed in the boat's paddle. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 181013WCSMLOG1.JPG

The PS Waimarie will be sailing the Whanganui River again this month, despite having had a monster log trapped in its paddle.

Whanganui Riverboat Centre manager Peter Hardy said during this week's floods the historic paddle steamer had been hammered by large debris coming down the river.

For three days Riverboat Centre staff, the Fire Service and an army of volunteers worked around the clock to free a 9m log trapped in the Waimarie's paddle, giving the boat a decided list and threatening to damage it.

Finally, a pilot boat was brought in early yesterday morning to finish the job.

Mr Hardy said the log was tied to the wharf while the pilot boat went to remove debris from the Dublin St bridge, and it would be picked up later.

Given the size of the log, it was remarkable that there appeared to be no damage to the paddle or the boat.

"As far as we can tell, she's stood up pretty well," Mr Hardy said. "She was built to last."

On Tuesday night a tree became trapped between the mooring and the boat, collecting more debris and threatening to snap the line.

A crane lowered two men with chainsaws over the Waimarie's bow to cut as much of the tree away as possible.

The Waimarie had been decommissioned over winter, meaning it was unable to be moved before the flood, but Mr Hardy said it would be recommissioned soon.

"I'm confident we'll have our first sailing on October 26 as planned."

Meanwhile, Kowhai Park remains closed after the flooding but the riverside market is on.

The playground area of Kowhai Park was treated with lime following the sewage leak before the flood and there are no health concerns. However, the area is still closed as vehicle access points are yet to be cleared.

The River Traders Market by the river will go ahead today as the boardwalk area has been cleared, although some grassed areas will be cordoned off.

Elsewhere all manhole covers on roads and footpaths have been checked and are confirmed to be in place.

Pumping out of ponded water in the area of Kowhai Park north of the Dublin St bridge was expected to be mostly completed yesterday and clearing of areas north of the rail bridge will begin next week.

Most of the previously closed roads are now open, although care is required because of silt.

There is also the risk of further slips for up to a month so drivers are advised to take care.

As a precaution Anzac Pde residents in the evacuated area near the Motorboat Club are advised to check garages, sheds and beneath their houses in case of backflow from the wastewater system.

If there is backflow or a strong odour, they should call the Wanganui District Council on 06-3490001.

For financial advice or information following the flood, people should call Siobhan Gulliver at Work and Income on 06-9658070.