Harbour damaged and travel disrupted as strong winds and high tide combine
INVESTIGATIONS will take place today to assess damage caused at St Sampson’s Harbour by a combination of strong easterly winds and high spring tides.
Those with boats in the marina have been advised to check their moorings.
The wave pontoons and one of the supporting piles on the Southside pontoon wall were damaged overnight on Monday.
‘The structures are designed to offer some protection to the St Sampson’s Harbour Marina,’ a Guernsey Harbours spokesman said.
‘Guernsey Harbours’ maintenance staff will fully assess the damage to the structure and the piles during the day as tidal conditions allow.’
Staff were at the site during low tide yesterday.
The new Sarnia workboat was due to be used last night to remove damaged infrastructure.
Further on-site investigations at low tide will be taking place today by the maintenance teams.
Mariners have been advised to exercise caution in the area.
A navigation warning has been issued by Guernsey Coastguard for the area.
‘During periods of bad weather, all mooring holders are strongly recommended to monitor the latest weather and shipping forecasts, and to check their moorings regularly’.
The Guernsey Boatowners’ Association echoed the call for all boatowners in this marina check their moorings, especially any berth holder on F pontoon.
‘The same applies to vessels moored in St Peter Port both in the Pool and the QE2/Albert Marinas,’ a spokesperson said.
‘The very strong easterlies combined with spring tides can create tidal surges that lead to this type of damage.’
The winds are expected to change to a SW to W direction during the next 24 hours.
Weather warnings were in place for the east coast yesterday evening and this morning.
Condor Liberation’s sailing has been cancelled today. Her Sunday sailing and those of the Rapide are under review. There is availability on earlier sailings.
