A massive barge supposed to be more than a kilometre out to sea has washed up on the shores of Alkimos Beach.
The support barge is part of the Alkimos Desalination Plant marine works, but broke free of its moorings during overnight storms on Monday.
A Water Corporation spokesperson said it was not damaged but couldn’t say when the barge - which is the smaller of two being used - would be able to be towed back out to deeper water.
It’s unlikely to affect the project, which is part of the efforts to provide Perth with an extra 50 billion litres of drinking water annually by 2028.
Crews spent much of Tuesday at Alkimos Beach stabilising the barge, with an excavator called in to help dig the sand. The barge has been anchored down for Tuesday night.
Water Corporation confirmed no one had been on board the vessel and there was no risk of a leak as no fuel was being carried.
People are urged to avoid the area while the recovery continues.
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