Be prepared, says harbour master, after French crew’s embarrassment
AFTER a visiting yachtsman grounded his yacht near Herm, Guernsey’s harbour master has issued advice to boatowners.
Photos of the grounded French yacht circulated on social media yesterday.
Harbour master Captain David Barker said mariners, whether visiting or local, should prepare carefully before setting out into local waters or further afield.
‘This incident, although embarrassing for those concerned, did not result in any serious harm but could easily have been much more serious,’ he said.
‘A good look at the navigational chart and some early planning would have prevented this risky grounding in Herm.
‘An understanding of local tides, currents and the nature of the seabed would have guided the skipper to a more suitable position.’
Captain Barker urged all mariners to prepare sensibly, provide the right safety equipment and act responsibly on the water.
n Further information is available on the Guernsey Harbours website https://bit.ly/2LE6btK and through Local Notices to Mariners and Guernsey Coastguard Navigation Warnings.
