Innovative solutions sought to build new navigational aid

The beacon in the Russel is one of the main navigational aids for vessels approaching from the north. But it has been out of commission, after being hit by the bulk carrier MV Bozat in March 2022.

Guernsey Ports project manager Joe Armstrong said the base was completely sheared off the rock the beacon was sat on and the light damaged beyond repair.

‘Guernsey Ports has been appraising the options for this while investigations into the circumstances of the incident have been ongoing,’ he said.

‘We are currently finalising tender documents which we intend to publish by the end of May.

‘The tender will be “design and build” and will invite contractors to propose innovative solutions to construct a new beacon, which will be an IALA compliant navigational aid.

‘Guernsey Ports intends to have a new beacon operational by the end of the year, however this is entirely dependent on the availability of a suitable contractor with the equipment required to undertake this work.’

Roustel Beacon is one of around 60 navigational aids maintained by Guernsey Ports in local waters.

The beacon now needs to be completely replaced and the old one removed, which is a complex logistical and technical exercise in a very exposed location, with a very strong tidal flow and rocky outcrops.

‘The base can only be accessed at certain states of tide, with a working window of around one to two hours per day,’ Mr Armstrong said.

‘The works are very small in quantity, but are likely to require large construction plant and access rig to remove the damaged beacon.’

In the meantime, it is not safe to access the beacon in its current location.

There is a 50-metre exclusion zone around the beacon as it is considered to be unstable.

There has been a local notice to mariners and a navigation warning issued.