Emergency exercise enacted

Monday 03 October 2022

All of Guernsey's emergency services, together with many volunteers, have simulated an emergency at St Peter Port Harbour so the island's response to such an event can be tested.

Yesterday morning's exercise saw teams from Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service, St John Ambulance Guernsey, Bailiwick Law Enforcement, Guernsey Civil Protection, and Guernsey Ports all get involved in the exercise.

Part of the East Arm had been closed to the public for the exercise to take place, along with some sections of the QE2 Marina.

The overall aim was to "test the joint response to a significant fire at the harbour involving hazardous goods".

As the Bailiwick's main port of arrival for the majority of goods shipped in, the critical need for safe working environments dictates policies there.

Guernsey Harbours said that "despite the poor weather, the exercise was a success with all of the services involved taking away key learning points for any future emergencies of this nature".

The major incident simulation was co-ordinated by Guernsey Ports and Guernsey Fire and Rescue Service and it centred around a "significant lorry fire involving dangerous goods". 

The eastern section of the road alongside the QE2 Marina was closed between 0730 and 1000 for the exercise, which Head of Ports, Jerome Davis said was timed to minimise inconvenience. 

“A multi-agency emergency exercise consumes a lot of time and resources in planning and execution but is something that must be done to help ensure that those protecting life and property on our island can respond appropriately in the event of a real emergency. This Sunday morning is one of the very few opportunities to exercise on this scale without interrupting the supply chain or disrupting hundreds of people during the working week. We hope to limit any impact, but we do thank islanders for their patience and understanding while emergency services undertake this important exercise.”