Yachtsman returns after being feared dead

An Canadian yachtsman has sailed back into port, after being feared missing for two days in Australia during Cyclone Yasi.

The unnamed man disappeared on Tuesday as sustained 130mph, gusting 185mph, winds ravaged the North Queensland coast and friends filed a missing person’s report with local police.

He was attempting to move his yacht to a more sheltered area among mangroves, as his hometown Cardwell was devastated by Yasi.

But he sailed into nearby Port Hinchinbrook on yesterday afternoon.

His return means only one person has died because of the cyclone so far.

Port Hinchinbrook is one of several marinas on the coast to have suffered extensive damage with the cyclone also creating a 3m tidal surge.

Queensland Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said that 70 boats, including many worth millions of dollars, at Port Hinchinbrook have sustained major damage.

Local boat owner Stephen Fischer described the scene as ‘catastrophic’, although his boat was one of just three that survived the cyclone. He said: ‘There’s got to be $20million (£12.65million) to $30million (£19million) worth of ships wrecked here.’

Watch the video below to see the state the Port Hinchinbrook’s marina has been left in.

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