Holyhead Marina clean-up update
A large number of vessels were badly damaged on 2 March after suffering severe weather during Storm Emma. Debris and some fuel from the damaged boats was discharged into the Marina, however most of the fuel was broken up during the inclement weather. Considerable quantities of polystyrene from damaged floating pontoons is also adding to the waste disposal problem.
The Holyhead Port Authority is privately owned by Stena Line Ports and are leading the harbour response, supported by a number of partner organisations including the Marina, Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Natural Resources Wales, Anglesey County Council and North Wales Police.
A number of immediate measures have been put in place including –
- The Harbour Authority has issued a holding Notice to Mariners to warn of possible pollution and sunken or floating debris.
- Specialist disposal bins have been placed on Soldiers Quay.
- Booms have been laid to help contain the spread of polystyrene and other contaminants.
- A temporary waste storage operation has commenced to remove polystyrene and other contaminants.
HM Coastguard continues to stress that the clean-up should be left to the experts although volunteers will be invited to assist where practical to do so. Alex Smith Duty Controller for HM Coastguard said: “We understand that many are keen to help but at this stage the shoreside clean-up is being managed professionally through port and local authorities. Further on down the line we expect that the public can get involved. We are also advising people to report anything unusual they may see on the nearby beaches. From our reports we believe the coastline known to have been affected so far is the Western Anglesey Coastline between Holyhead and Rhosneiger which is approximately 18 miles of coastline, as well as the coastline between Holyhead and Carmel Head which is approximately 8 miles of coastline.
“It may be the case that some pyrotechnic marine flares wash up - if anyone see anything of this nature please do not pick it up or touch it - they are very dangerous if misused or fired accidently. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard so that we can dispose of it safely and properly.”
Russel Freeman, Deputy Head of Counter Pollution for the MCA said: ‘We are unclear how long the recovery process may take, however the Port are working hard to progress the clean-up operation. Most of the debris is polystyrene which is floating on the surface. Our main concern at this stage is to contain the debris and make sure that as little as possible affects beaches outside the marina. At this stage, we know that some polystyrene has left the harbour area and we are working closely with local authorities on effective clean-up solutions.’
A spokesperson for Stena Line Ports said: “As the Port Authority for Holyhead, we are working very closely with the Marina and all relevant external agencies to ensure that the Storm Emma clean-up operation progresses as quickly and efficiently as possible. As a result of the Initial plastic pollution at Soldiers Quay extending to other areas of the Marina, more booms have been now been deployed to help contain the spread of plastic contamination.
“Booms have been laid in strategic positions in the New Harbour Marina area. The process of removing the polystyrene contaminant by the use of harbour craft continues. Much help has been given by local boat owners and is very much appreciated. However, from this point on the Pollution Responder contractor will control this area.
“With this in mind, and for Operational Safety reasons, a decision has been made to temporarily disallow access to the Marina, specifically by boat. If for any reason anybody needs information regarding Access or Egress, please contact Holyhead Marina. There are ongoing planning meetings with Marina, Port Authority and different agencies to review the ongoing clean-up operation.”
Isle of Anglesey County Council Chief Executive, Gwynne Jones, added, “We have been working closely with colleagues in the MCA, the marina operator and Stena, as port authority, since this terrible incident. Our Maritime and Waste Management teams are supporting the clean-up efforts and helping to facilitate the safe removal of polystyrene and other contaminants from the harbour area and a number of nearby beaches.”
All vessels or associated parts of these, involved in the recent Storm Emma incident at Holyhead marina do not fall under the legal definition of wreck and therefore should be dealt with as lost property. All found property relating to this incident should be reported to Holyhead Harbour Master or the local police.
