Questions asked about boat's intentions

Friday 22 November 2019

The boat which had been at anchor outside St Peter Port Harbour for more than a week set sail this morning, as more and more questions were being asked on social media about why it was still here.

Guernsey Harbours had said late yesterday that staff were trying to find out what the crew of the Nigerian registered MV Jireh were actually planning to do.

The MV Jireh first appeared in our waters last week, seeking refuge in the channel of water between St Peter Port Harbour and Jethou during strong winds.

It had previously been anchored off Jersey's east coast but couldn't get into Elizabeth Marina or St Peter Port Harbour due to its size and the strength of the wind along with the harbours' schedules.

Initially Express was told the vessel was here for an unexpected stay due to the weather, and that because it had been at anchor for longer than intended their food supplies had run out. Last week the Channel Islands Co-op and the Red Cross sent over food parcels and some clean, warm clothes, to keep the crew going during their stay.

Pictured: Express reported the vessel's unexpected stop off last week, but why is it still here? 

A week on from that aid mission to supply food and warm clothes to the nine-strong crew on board the Nigerian registered MV Jireh, questions were being asked about why it was still in the Russel.

The weather has remained poor, with strong winds at times. Some speculated that it was still here for other reasons though.

Late on Friday, a Guernsey Harbours spokesman said staff had asked for clarity on what the crew's plans were and regular contact was being maintained. 

Pictured: The MV Jireh hasn't moved in just over a week. 

“The Nigerian-registered vessel, a former passenger and vehicle ferry, was on its way from Norway to Dakar, Senegal in West Africa. It has been anchored in the Little Russel since 13 November 2019, having previously been anchored off Jersey’s east coast," said Guernsey Harbours. 

"The vessel indicated it had stopped its passage south due to poor weather conditions forecast along its planned route.

"Whilst the ship has sought permission to berth alongside and to possibly extend its stay. Guernsey Harbours is unable to accommodate the vessel, as we have no suitable berths available that would not disrupt port operations.

"Guernsey Harbours is seeking further clarification on the vessel's future intentions, and remains in regular contact with the crew.”

Since that statement has been issued the boat has left.

Pictured:The Mv Jireh is now on its way to Weymouth. Still from marinetraffic.com taken at 16:00 Saturday 23 November. 

While the MV Jireh was initially believed to be travelling from Norway to Dakar, with a route path planned to take it through the Bay of Biscay, the vessel has infact headed north.

Marinetraffic.com has its intended destination listed at Weymouth on the south coast of England. 

Pictured: The MV Jireh.