Australian Navy delivers 800 gallons of beer to thirsty town after supply lines cut by fires

A looming beer crisis has been avoided in a fire-stricken Australian town, thanks to some help from the country’s navy.

Mallacoota, a small coastal town in the state of Victoria, was isolated from the rest of the country when a devastating bushfire ripped through it on New Year’s Eve, destroying homes and cars, and cutting off the one road in and out.

Due to the lack of road access, residents have been receiving supplies through emergency shipments from the Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Choules — and beer is no exception.

When the Melbourne-based Carlton & United Breweries heard that the local pub was running out of beer, it arranged a special delivery to be sent over with the navy.

A total of 3,000 liters (almost 800 gallons) of beer was loaded onto the HMAS Choules on Thursday morning.