The car was abandoned earlier this year. Photo: Tessa Waterhouse
It is only a matter of time until a four-wheel drive previously abandoned at Roses beach is completely buried in sand.
Esperance local Tessa Waterhouse first reported the car on Facebook in May this year. The caption, “anyone missing a pathfinder?” accompanied pictures of the partially submerged car.
Other locals commented that they had also seen the car and noticed it was sinking rapidly into the sandy shore of Roses beach.
The post caught the attention of the local police who couldn’t help but see the lighter side of the situation.
“Can’t park there mate,” the Esperance district police account jokingly commented on the picture.
Others joined in the banter, saying the driver of the vehicle should have stayed on the path and they deserved a parking fine for their poor performance.
Police said the owner of the car had been contacted and the shire had been notified.
Last week, Facebook provided the Esperance community with another update of the notorious Nissan Pathfinder, posted by Mitchell VB.
The vehicle has now almost completely succumbed to the sand, with only the rusted roof visible.
While some responders are still able to laugh about the situation, others are asking questions about what should be done and who is to be held accountable for the vehicles neglect.
“Disgraceful how it’s been left so long with oil and fuels leeching away,” a commentor wrote.
“Why didn’t the council remove it ages ago?” another replied.
An Esperance Shire representative said there is not much the Shire is able to do without the right access to the area.
“The Shire of Esperance does not have management orders for the reserve covering this beach, and so is not involved in this matter,” she said.
Similarly, Esperance police have said they have done what they can, and the issue is out of their hands.
“We know whose car it is,” Snr Sgt Chris Taylor said.
“Ultimately, it’s the owner’s responsibility for leaving the car on the beach… or under it.”
The next few months could see the Facebook famous pathfinder completely buried under the sand and without the government acknowledgement of potential pollution and safety concerns, will the beached car end up out of mind as well as out of sight?
