Counting the cost of the storm damage

Tuesday 13 November 2018

Guernsey Harbours is arranging surveys to find out exactly how badly damaged the slipway at Castle Cornet was when heavy winds battered the island.

Huge slabs have come away from the base of the slipway but it's not easy to see how deep the large cracks go, meaning no repairs can be booked until the extent of the damage has been confirmed.

The damage was caused on Friday night during the evening high tide which coincided with strong winds.

Pictured: The damage to the Havelet slipway. 

Guernsey Harbours have also confirmed a swan pontoon was irreparably broken by the storm, but it was due to be replaced next year anyway. That work had already been scheduled and is being brought forward so the pontoon can be replaced within days. 

The slipway at Havelet will take longer to fix though with permanent cordons remaining in place while the surveys are done.

Pictured: The fences put up to stop public access to the slipway.

Guernsey Harbourmaster, Captain David Barker said they don't know how much it's going to cost to fix the cracked slipway yet.

"It is too soon to speculate what the cost or extent of repairs will be. The slipway has been cordoned off for the time being until a survey has been completed."

A number of people who use the slipway said it had previously been damaged and asked why wasn't it fixed then, but Captain Barker said being in such an exposed location doesn't help.

"The slipway has been damaged in previous storms and repaired a number of times. Because of its position it takes the brunt of any bad weather.  It will need surveying to assess the extent of the damage and what repairs are needed."

Captain Barker said boat owners need to continue to take care of their own vessels, especially during times of bad weather, and that information is readily available to them at harbours.gg/Guernsey- Navigation-Warnings-Notices.

He also wanted to praise Harbours staff who were out in the terrible weather on Friday night, checking other peoples boats: "I would like to commend the harbour staff who were out at the peak of the storm on Friday night moving boats away from potential damage."

While the Havelet slipway is out of action, those who routinely use it for diving or swimming will need to make alternative arrangements. Captain Barker said it is closed so no one is allowed on to it.

"The slipway is used mainly for recreational purposes by a number of groups and individuals.  It has been cordoned off as a precautionary measure until survey work can be completed and should not be used.  Please contact Port Control on 01481 705890 for advice on alternative options."

Pictured top: Captain David Barker, Guernsey's Harbourmaster.