Select a region
The Roustel Beacon - one of the principal navigation aids for vessels approaching St Peter Port Harbour – is out of service following damage sustained at the weekend.
Guernsey Ports said investigations are underway on how to bring the Beacon back into service after it was struck by the bulk carrier MV Bozat on Saturday morning following her departure from St Sampson’s Harbour.
That contact caused the Beacon to shift from its permanent position and has resulted in its light not operating properly.
Guernsey Ports - which is part of the States' Trading Supervisory Board - has put in place an exclusion zone of 50 metres as the displaced structure is unstable. Mariners are instructed for their safety to remain outside of the zone.
The current structure has been in place since the early 1990s and a navigation beacon has been located on the Roustel reef since the early 1920s.
Harbourmaster Captain David Barker said: “An options appraisal to bring the Roustel Beacon back into service is being developed by the Ports’ Commercial and Infrastructure team.
“Meanwhile, Guernsey Ports has notified the Bailiwick of Guernsey Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, who will decide whether to investigate the circumstances of the incident.
"Until any investigation is complete, Guernsey Ports will not be making further comment on this case.”
Pictured (top): The lopsided Roustel Beacon.
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.