Fifty-five year old Queensland man, Paul Kriwopischin appeared before Magistrate Hudson at Forster Local Court on April 26 after beaching his 33 foot cruiser earlier in the week.

Mr Kriwopischin was returning to his Mountain Creek home with his newly purchased vessel, Midnight Blue from Port Stephens when he got into trouble trying to negotiate the Cape Hawke Harbour on April 24.

The experienced seaman was reputed to have been three times over the legal limit (marine).

He was fined $500, issued with a Section 9 good behaviour bond for 12 months and disqualified for 12 months from holding a marine licence.

But, with no insurance and means to recover the vessel stranded on the northern end of Main Beach, reputed to have cost him between $30,000 and $32,000, Mr Kriwopischin also lost his new acquisition.

Tuncurry mates, Ossie Collins and Ken Grezik were having a quiet beer at the Bellevue Hotel when they spotted a forlorn looking Mr Kriwopischin in the corner of the pub.

In a matter of time the keen game fishermen had purchased the salvage rights to the vessel for an undisclosed fund.

“We are both fishermen and boatless,” Ossie said.

After being lifted from the beach by a 60 tonne crane and transported on a low loader from near the break wall, the Midnight Blue is now in dry-dock, Forster ready for repair.

“There’s no obvious damage; we hope to have it repaired and back in the water by November ready to chase the marlin in Coffs Harbour,” Ossie said.

Ken Grezik’s partner Heidi Sims is excitedly looking forward to the day the cruiser is back on the water.

“As soon as it is fixed I’ll be there,” she said.

However, Heidi said she felt for the previous owner and had driven him to Taree railway station on Thursday, April 27 for his train ride back to Queensland.