Wednesday's news
17 Jul 2013
Four dead after asylum seeker vessel capsizes, Haddin denies turf war in Australian cricket, WA hit by wild weather and watch as a polar bear cub takes its first steps.
Four dead after boat capsizes
A suspected asylum seeker vessel capsized 70 nautical miles from Christmas Island yesterday while being escorted by two Australian Navy ships.
After the capsize, 144 people were rescued from the water and four bodies were retrieved. The search for survivors has been called off.
A turf war in Australian cricket?
Documents submitted to Fair Work Australia by dumped Australian cricket coach Mickey Arthur allege a rift between Australian captain Michael Clarke and all-rounder Shane Watson. Arthur is claiming his employer, Cricket Australia, did not support him in his efforts to discipline players, making it impossible for him to fulfil his duties.
Vice-captain Brad Haddin has dismissed claims of a rift.
"From our point of view we've got a Test match to play. We're 1-0 down,” Haddin told journalists gathered at Lord’s Cricket Ground. “We're at the home of cricket, so from our group's point of view it doesn't get more exciting."
Polar bear cub’s first steps
Sea World’s 9-week polar bear cub has taken its first steps. The little cub has grown from a birth weight of 600g to 6kg, and is expected to reach almost a tonne. Watch its first steps below.
South-west WA hit by wild weather
Approximately 6000 homes in Perth and south-west WA were without power this morning after destructive winds and heavy rain pelted the region late yesterday, and wild weather is expected to continue today with hail and thunderstorms.
The SES has received more than 120 calls for help since yesterday morning.
Resident Russell Gidgup told The West Australian that the wind – which “sounded like a jet turbine” – lifted the roof off a fire brigade building 100 metres from his home and dumped it in in his yard. "The roof's been lifted up, cut through all the power lines then got dumped down here," Mr Gidgup said. "There's a line of damage straight through here."
Read more and keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology weather warnings.
If you require urgent assistance, contact the SES on 132 500 or emergency services on 000.
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