Storm Babet: Guernsey Harbours staff save motor cruiser from sinking

The boat's was moved to the Careening Hard so its condition could be assessed

A motor cruiser has been saved from sinking after it was ripped from its pontoon during Storm Babet.

The boat broke free from the Swan Pontoons on Tuesday morning as easterly winds swept across Guernsey.

The boat was secured by harbour staff but water was seen entering the vessel's bilge, said Guernsey Harbours.

Salvage pumps were unable to contain the water level so staff moved the boat to the Careening Hard where its condition is being assessed.

'Removing six tonnes'

Harbour Master Captain David Barker said: "The source of the water ingress could not be identified and salvage pumps were rigged to keep the vessel afloat.

"With worsening weather conditions, and after removing six tonnes of greywater from the bilges, it became apparent that the salvage pumps were unable to contain the water level."

The vessel had been berthed on the Swan Pontoons over the last week prior to heading up to the Marine and General boatyard in St Sampson, said Guernsey Harbours.

It said, its engines could not be started when attempts were made to move the cruiser under its own power.

Captain Barker said: "In consultation with the owner, the decision was made to move the vessel onto the Careening Hard to allow a better assessment of her condition. This removes the risk of her sinking on the pontoons and the likely total loss of the vessel and the associated pollution risk."

Guernsey Harbours reminded boat owners to ensure their vessel is properly secured, particularly ahead of severe weather conditions, by checking their mooring lines, hatches, covers and the correct functioning of bilge pumps.