When things go bump in the night

During a stormy night on Sunday the Lady Moana copped a pounding from not only the weather – but a barge that broke free from its moorings.

The metal barge repeatedly smashed into the Lady Moana while winds gusted up to 56 km/h.

The bow of the Taio Shipping vessel was badly scraped with scores of impact hits on its blue painted hull.

On the right-hand side of the barge’s bow blue paint could be seen.

Witnesses said the barge was later lifted out of the water and placed on the wharf.

Owner of the Lady Moana Tapi Taio said he would be going down to inspect his ship yesterday afternoon.