Guernsey Harbours has decided that, in the interests of public safety, the walk ashore bridge linking the swan pool marina and the Crown Pier in St Peter Port should be removed until the structure can be fully repaired.
The walk ashore bridge, which links the St Peter Port harbour swan pool pontoons and the Crown Pier, was damaged due to the strong winds which affected the Harbour in the early hours of the 30th July 2019.
There was no damage or injury to any vessels or their occupants berthed on the swan pontoons, although some crews were evacuated temporarily until daylight when the damage could be fully assessed. With the bridge removed for repairs, no pedestrian access between the swan pontoons and the Crown Pier will be available for the next two weeks. Guernsey Harbour staff are working hard to complete the repairs as soon as possible but will be affected by weather and sea conditions.
A temporary boat taxi service, paid for by Guernsey Harbours and provided by Island Rib Voyages Limited, will be operating whilst the bridge is being repaired. This interim measure will operate between the cruise liner pontoon on the Albert Pier and the swan pontoons between 07:00 and 23:00 local time. Crews should make requests for a taxi by calling VHF Channel 10.
Guernsey's Harbourmaster Captain David Barker said:
"I would like to thank Guernsey Harbours staff, the staff of the Joint Emergency Services Control Centre and the Emergency Service personnel involved for their swift and decisive action in dealing with what could have been a hazardous situation. We are very relieved that there was no damage to boats or injuries to their occupants during this incident, which was caused by unusually strong southerly winds. We know that the removal of the walk ashore bridge will cause inconvenience for boat crews and we will aim to complete the repairs as soon as possible. Guernsey Harbours would like to thank Island Rib Voyages Limited for providing an interim taxi service at short notice. Incidents such as this serve to remind us how quickly the weather and water conditions can change, making even the safe haven of our harbours a challenging environment. Mariners and vessel operators should heed the instructions in the Local Notices to Mariners issued following the removal of the walk ashore bridge. Any updates will be announced through further LNTM notices and on www.harbours.gg."
Mariners can view the latest Local Notices To Mariners notices on our website.