Boats loose, flights cancelled, and roads closed

Thursday 21 November 2024

This morning's strong winds, heavy rain fall, and occasional sleet has caused issues across the island, not least at the harbour and airport.

Early today, Ports staff had to tackle the waves to bring a sailing yacht under control after it broke loose from its mooring.

A spokesperson for Guernsey Ports has said the yacht was "moments away from crashing into the quay wall", which would have happened at around 09:00, "had it not been for the swift action of Guernsey Ports marina staff".

The 26-ft visiting yacht broke its mooring while its owner was using the marina facilities. Ports staff, who had been patrolling the marinas, responded immediately in the harbour dories.

Within two minutes, as the vessel was approaching the quay wall in large swells, they had managed to get lines around the boat and bring it under control.

Marina attendants and Technical Services staff were then able to tow it to safety and secure the yacht with stronger ropes and additional fenders before the weather deteriorated further.

Footage of the incident, shared on Guernsey People Have Your Say, showed the strength of the sea as the smaller vessels steered the larger boat to safety.

Duty harbourmaster Kieran Higgs praised the crew who prevented further damage from being caused.

“Our staff showed all their skill and experience to bring the vessel under control before it hit the wall.

“The visiting yacht has now been firmly secured along the marina wall and will likely be lifted out of the water once the weather improves to assess its condition. At this stage, it appears that the vessel has only sustained minor damage, but it could have been a lot worse.

“The vessel’s owner was understandably very shaken up, but also very appreciative of our staff’s collective efforts to get to his boat in time.”

Mr Higgs said the weather conditions had proved even more disruptive this morning as they were coupled with a morning high tide, but at this stage no major damage had been caused within the harbours.

“As Guernsey harbours are an easterly facing port, strong winds from this direction are always the most unpleasant.”

Guernsey Ports reminded boat owners to ensure their vessel is properly secured, particularly ahead of severe weather conditions, by checking their mooring lines, hatches, covers and the correct functioning of bilge pumps.

At the airport, all flights were grounded at around midday due to worsening conditions. But the airport said passengers still need to check in as scheduled and monitor the latest flight updates, and contact their airline directly for any queries.

Aurigny has said in light of the "significant delays and cancellations to a number of services to/from Guernsey and Alderney" it is offering extra flexibility for all those travelling today. This includes a free change to move to an alternative flight within 7 days of the original scheduled departure.

The airline said there will be no change fees or fare difference applied and if a flight is cancelled, you will be eligible for a full refund. 

Passengers affected by the adverse weather today are being contacted directly, said Sudeep Ghai, Chief Commercial Officer at Aurigny.

“We know today’s weather will be frustrating for all, and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding. Our team are continually evaluating the forecast and are firmly focused on their duty of getting everyone where they need to be, safely.

“We hope the extra flexibility offered will provide some reassurance and little extra certainty at this time.”

Elsewhere across the island, motorists are being urged to use caution.

Some roads have been blocked by standing water with the South Esplanade closed to pedestrians and traffic as a result.