Archived decisions

Contact: Tony Clatworthy, tel 01489 576387

email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report summarises the activities and events on the River from 22 June 2006. Any incidents taking place after this report is finalised will be the subject of a separate Annex to be distributed at the meeting.

2. Reason

2.1 This report promotes safe navigation on the River Hamble.

2.2 The report was generally endorsed by the River Hamble Harbour Management Committee on 15 November 2006, but it was suggested that the recommendation on mooring of tenders should be amplified, as follows:

(i) That, on an interim basis the River Hamble Harbour Board approves that from 1 January 2007 the mooring of tenders on the Harbour Master's Jetty at Warsash and the public jetty at Hamble are governed by the following:

(a) only tenders from boats berthed on the mid-stream visitors pontoon to be moored free of charge

pending the outcome of the public consultation process suggested below.

(ii) That the River Hamble Harbour Board establishes a public consultation process on the issues pertaining to the use of Harbour Authority jetties by tenders.

3. Report

3.1 The River has been patrolled daily by the Duty Harbour Master at varying times from 0600 hours through to 2000 hours, 2200 hours or 2359 hours.

4. Incidents

4.1 The incidents reported below only reflect those that may have had an effect on the Safety Management System; other matters concerning day-to-day harbour operations are not recorded in this report. The annual report of incidents due to be published in April 2007 will list and categorise all incidents. The report will be presented to the Harbour Board at the earliest opportunity after that date.

4.2 On 24 June:

(i) Patrol attended yacht with rope around propeller. Recovered yacht to safety.

(ii) Patrol towed broken-down power boat to safety.

4.3 On 28 June patrol recovered and towed RIB to safety.

4.4 On 30 June two patrol boats aided catamaran that had been swept onto pontoon owing to engine failure. Vessel recovered and towed to safety.

4.5 On 1 July patrol towed speed boat to safety.

4.6 On 6 July patrol recovered sunken dinghy in fairway adjacent to Universal Marina. Dinghy marked as Warsash Sailing Club `Phillida'. Patrol recovered dinghy to Warsash Sailing Club jetty and lifted it out onto jetty.

4.7 On 8 July patrol recovered yacht with steering failure at entrance to the River.

4.8 On 9 July:

(i) Reports received of a sailing dinghy in collision with MV Princess Caroline, a 70 foot leisure vessel. The patrol spoke with the crew, two young girls, and advised them that it was far too windy for novices to sail in the main channel of a busy river. The patrol explained about the Bye-laws (Bye-Laws for the River Hamble Undertaking relating to vessels entering, using or leaving the River, made by Hampshire County Council in pursuance of Section 83 of the Harbour, Docks and Piers Clauses Act 1847, and Section 67 of the Hampshire Act 1983) and the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 and advised them of better locations to learn how to sail without an instructor on board.

(ii) Patrol towed broken-down speed boat to safety.

4.9 On 12 July patrol recovered a mooring buoy drifting on the tide in the main channel.

4.10 On 14 July patrol towed motorboat to safety.

4.11 On 16 July:

(i) Patrol spoke with owner of motorboat with young children seen hanging from side of the boat. Parents oblivious to dangers.

(ii) Patrol escorted, then towed, a motor boat suffering from engine failure to Universal Marina.

4.12 On 17 July yacht aground on Hamble Spit. Coastguard informed and vessel observed until safely off during the flood tide.

4.13 On 19 July patrol cut away and removed approximately 50 metres of ropes from the underside of the M27 motorway bridge. These ropes have been used by children to swing from the motorway into the River.

4.14 On 23 July:

(i) Patrol attended and towed a disabled yacht out of the path of `MV Spirit of Portsmouth'. Yacht was recovered to its mooring by patrol.

(ii) Patrol attended yacht aground on Hamble Spit. Patrol did not have the power to pull the yacht off. Hamble Lifeboat attended and pulled the yacht clear. During this operation a young boy fell from the yacht into the water; he was rescued by the patrol.

(iii) Patrol towed disabled power boat out of main channel and to safety.

4.15 On 25 July patrol attended two youths in tender at Swanwick. Tender was not their property and they could not swim. Police called but could not attend. Patrol could not detain the youths. Recovered tender to Deacons Boatyard.

4.16 On 28 July patrol attended a capsized dinghy off Hook Spit. The coxswain of the dinghy had sustained a head injury. On reaching Lobster Quay at the Warsash Sailing Club the patrol gave first aid to the coxswain. The wound was cleaned and he was advised to attend hospital as stitches would be required. As the gash to the head was very severe the coxswain of the dinghy was advised of the danger of delayed shock.

4.17 On 29 July patrol towed four metre dory from mooring where it was entangled in mooring ropes.

4.18 On 30 July patrol towed speedboat from Hook Spit were it was found aground.

4.19 On 31 July:

(i) Patrol found an eight metre Cobra RIB aground at the Ferry Slip on Warsash side of the River.

(ii) Patrol recovered motorboat in difficulties at the entrance to the River.

(iii) Patrol attended to yacht in difficulties at the entrance to the River.

4.20 On 1 August:

(i) Patrol stood by yacht in difficulties with engine failure entering the River. Yacht sailed onto its mooring at Hamble Yacht Services unassisted.

(ii) Patrol requested by Vessel Traffic Services of Southampton Harbour to attempt to get the details of a yacht (J80) that had routed from Cowes without any navigation lights (Rule 25 of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972). Patrol obtained the details and passed them to Vessel Traffic Services.

4.21 On 4 August patrol received a telephone call with information that a suspect device had been found on the foreshore upstream from Universal Marina. On further investigation a domed metal container with a screwed head was found. The object looked like the head of a pressure tank and was extremely corroded. It was embedded in the shingle just above mean high water with about seven inches of the metal dome showing. Police and Coastguard were in attendance and a team leader from the Royal Naval Bomb Disposal Team, Portsmouth explained that it was not dangerous but he would get his team to recover it. He advised that no further action or clearance would be required. On advice from the bomb disposal representative, the Harbour Authority patrol attendance and the police cover was withdrawn from the scene allowing the bomb disposal team to proceed alone. Advice was received from the police and bomb disposal team that local residents were not required to be notified as there was no danger. On recovery the item was found to be an outer covering from the front of a torpedo manufactured in 1901 and was recovered to Portsmouth for further investigation.

4.22 During the incident above the scrub and trees on the embankment was set on fire. Three youths who were at the scene were interviewed by the police. The fire raged out of control and burnt about 200 metres of the embankment, destroying trees and bushes.

4.23 Slurry from Brixedon Farm was reported as flowing in a gully from the farm sheds and then into the River. The Environment Agency was informed and is now dealing with the matter (Water Resources Act 1991).

4.24 Also on 4 August patrol towed yacht into River to safe mooring.

4.25 On 6 August a motor cruiser entered the River and was seen on CCTV travelling at excessive speed. The boat was stopped and received a written warning.

4.26 On 12 August:

(i) A yacht passing Hamble Jetty in the main channel lost engine power and was forced to anchor in the main channel. The anchor was fouled and had to be cut and buoyed to be retrieved at a later date by divers. Yacht was assisted by patrol to a safer berth.

(ii) Patrol towed dinghy to safety at Warsash Sailing Club.

(iii) An off-shore power boat that had capsized in the Solent was towed into Hamble Point Marina to be lifted out of the water. Full anti-pollution measures taken. Boat recovered safely in Hamble Point Marina.

(iv) During the towing operation a boat moored on the A piles was hit. Owner informed.

(v) Seastart recovered a broken down motor cruiser into the River. Recovered to piles A11-12.

(vi) A 38 foot motor boat recovered to Harbour Master's Jetty with steering difficulties.

4.27 On 13 August:

(i) Crew of SB3 that had sunk in Southampton Water recovered to Warsash by lifeboat.

(ii) Patrol stood by yacht with engine difficulties before recovering it to Hamble Point Marina.

4.28 On 20 August patrol assisted Hamble Lifeboat in recovering two crew from capsized dinghy on Hamble Spit. The helmsman suffered minor injuries (cuts and abrasions). Boat and crew recovered to Harbour Master's Jetty.

4.29 On 22 August patrol assisted 46 foot yacht with an engine failure to berth alongside Harbour Master's Jetty.

4.30 On 26 August report of a collision between two vessels in Swanwick Marina. One vessel had departed without reporting the incident. The patrol stopped the offending vessel in the main channel and returned with it to the marina to complete details of the incident.

4.31 On 27 August:

(i) Coastguard tasked patrol to assist motorboat with engine failure and a crew-member who was diabetic and in danger of becoming hypoglycaemic. Patrol located boat and gave assistance. The patrol was immediately tasked again by the Coastguard to another vessel which had suffered engine failure. Vessel was located but outside the Harbour Authority's jurisdiction, therefore another Coastguard asset was tasked, allowing the patrol to return to the original vessel. Vessel recovered to Harbour Master's Jetty. Crewmember examined by paramedic and advised he was well enough to go home unaided.

(ii) Patrol assisted a number of vessels to their moorings. Two with engine failure and one with warp around propeller. Another vessel was undermanned as the husband had been lifted off by helicopter with a head injury. Patrol boarded the yacht and gave assistance.

4.32 On 28 August patrol assisted with pumping out a sunken cabin cruiser on the moorings in Cabin Boatyard.

4.33 On 2 September patrol received an urgent call from a 50 foot yacht requesting urgent assistance. The boat had fouled the pontoon chains of its moorings and was stuck broadside onto the tide. Wind gusting 40 knots and raining with poor visibility. The vessel was in greater danger as it was a falling tide. With assistance from the Warsash and Hamble ferry operator both pontoon chains were disconnected, allowing the vessel to be released. The vessel owner paid for the services provided.

4.34 On 17 September the owner of a yacht on Crown Estate mooring reported damage to his yacht owing to a collision. Collision had not been reported. Logged as a `hit and run'.

4.35 On 22 September patrol found a pontoon broken away from its fore and aft pile moorings, the boat and pontoon only being held in place by the stern warps to one pile. Contractor told to secure pontoon correctly and invoice to mooring holder who was kept informed of the situation.

4.36 On 23 September patrol assisted XOD that was pinned by the tide to pile B19. Recovered XOD back to its moorings 100 yards upstream.

4.37 On 27 September there was a report of an outboard engine stolen from an RIB on the College moorings.

4.38 On 7 October:

(i) The patrol removed an unmanned 40 foot German flagged catamaran anchored at Swanwick bend. Later that day a German gentleman arrived to collect his boat and settle the invoice.

(ii) A 40 foot racing yacht was recovered to Warsash Harbour Master's Jetty with a crew member suffering from a head injury. As an ambulance was not available, following a 45 minute wait the casualty was taken to Southampton by Hamble Lifeboat.

4.39 On 10 October a 33 foot yacht was found adrift downstream of Warsash. Patrol took the vessel in tow, resecured to moorings and contacted the owner. The boat had suffered damage to its bow and stern and appeared to have been deliberately set adrift from its moorings on Shore House Jetty (Warsash Sailing Club).

4.40 The Harbour Patrol and other members of the Harbour Office have attended to various boats on moorings to adjust and replace warps; rolled and repacked flapping sails; adjusted fendering; removed large logs and other floating debris from the River; attended a number of Gig racing events to give safety cover; attended numerous speeding and wash incidents issuing advice and education and given advice and assistance in general to all River users.

5. Bridge Jumping and Swimming

5.1 Throughout this reporting period the Harbour Patrols have experienced difficulties with youths and children jumping from bridges and swimming in the main channel. They have jumped in front of the ferry at Hamble and been recovered from a very busy main channel by the patrol. The police have been called on a number of a occasions and have attended when available. There are 43 recorded incidents involving youths and children. The procedures written by the Harbour Master in July 2006 giving guidance to staff attending these type of incidents are attached at appendix.

5.2 In partnership with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency a number of schools were visited in July 2006 to give presentations pointing out the dangers of on-the-water activities. It is planned to expand this initiative in early 2007.

5.3 The main areas of concern are Hamble and Warsash jetties, A27 and M27 bridges. Other incidents have been recorded of youths climbing onto boats and pontoons causing damage and upsetting mooring holders. It has been noted that incidents of youths swimming in the main channel has increased from records kept last year. This is considered potentially dangerous as a small head in the water cannot be easily seen from the steering position of a large craft.

6. Hamble Week

6.1 Hamble Week was again a great success and the Harbour Authority ensured it proceeded safely by managing matters concerning safety for the following events.

6.2 Gig racing took place on two consecutive days and involved two patrol boats ensuring that safety coverage was available during the races.

6.3 Hamble Week Fireworks: The Harbour Authority managed the safety controls on this event and ensured the exclusion zone was established. Notice to River Users 31 of 2006 was issued to help manage this event.

7. Cowes Firework Night

7.1 The Harbour Authority provided two patrol boats to ensure the entrance and the main channel remained safe during the return of approximately 1,000 boats on conclusion of the display. Vessels returning to the River behaved in a very safe manner apart from two small boats without lights and one RIB which was caught travelling at about 10 knots by the patrol. The Queen's Harbour Master and the Southampton Harbour Master imposed a 15 knot speed limit throughout the Solent for the night of 4 August.

8. Speeding Vessels

8.1 Throughout the reporting period harbour patrols have stopped or slowed down a number of speeding vessels. Vessels stopped have been given a written warning and also a copy of the River Hamble Harbour Bye-Laws. The boat and the owner's details are cross-referenced and recorded. If stopped again, prosecution may result.

9. Bursledon Regatta

9.1 Bursledon Regatta took place over the weekend of the 26 and 27 August. The regatta was a great success and attended by many visiting yachts. The Gig racing and other events were assisted by the patrol. The patrol closed the River at Bursledon during the fireworks display. It was noted that many small boats with children on board still fail to display any navigation lights or even show a torch. The patrol was very active in warning occupants of the danger in which they were putting themselves and their passengers.

10. Harbour Master's Jetty, Warsash

10.1 The dismantling and dredging operation will be reported orally at the meeting.

11. Tenders

11.1 The use of tenders by mid-stream mooring holders is a well-established practice on the River Hamble. Access to mid-stream moorings is normally by use of privately-owned tenders or the River taxi, which has limited operating hours. Historically, mid-stream mooring holders have been permitted to moor tenders free of charge at Hamble and Warsash public jetties. Tenders are left unsupervised and unused on these jetties for long periods, leading to damage to both the jetty and the tenders. Tenders are often packed closely together and secured with a padlock and chain, causing some to be swamped and sink, especially during strong winds. Ownership of tenders is also difficult to establish, which means that the Harbour Authority is often not able to contact owners when problems occur.

11.2 Many mid-stream mooring holders keep their tenders in boatyards and marinas at a cost varying from £400 to £800 per annum, but this gives them security, car parking, and in some cases use of the showers and toilets.

11.3 Visitors from the mid-stream visitors pontoon use the Harbour Master's Jetty at Warsash to come ashore. Their visitors fee has always included mooring for a tender.

11.4 There are a number of options available to control the problem of overcrowding, which results in damage and sinkings. However, there may be a requirement to consult before deciding which option is most appropriate. In the meantime, with the new Harbour Master's Jetty at Warsash due for completion early in 2007, it is proposed to:

(i) forbid the mooring of tenders on the Harbour Master's Jetty at Warsash and the public jetty at Hamble with effect from 1 January 2007; and

(ii) allow only tenders from visitors to the mid-stream visitor pontoon to moor their tenders on these jetties, without charge, as at present.

12. Impact Assessments

12.1 This report provides a position statement only, therefore an impact assessment, in terms of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act, has not been undertaken.

Recommendations

1. That, as an interim arrangement, the River Hamble Harbour Board approves that from 1 January 2007 the mooring of tenders on the Harbour Master's Jetty at Warsash and the public jetty at Hamble are governed by the following:

(i) only tenders from boats berthed on the mid-stream visitors pontoon to be moored free of charge.

2. That the decision in (1) above should be reviewed in the light of a public consultation process on the issues pertaining to the use of Harbour Authority jetties by tenders.

3. That the remainder of this report be noted by the River Hamble Harbour Board.

1037/TC

APPENDIX

River Hamble Harbour Authority

Procedures to be Adopted by all Patrol Staff

when dealing with Youths and Children

Various jetties belonging to mooring holders and commercial operators Fishermen's Jetty

Warsash Harbour Master's Jetty

Hamble Jetty

Upper Country Park Jetty

If asked to respond to an incident involving children or youths on any of the above the following procedures must be adopted:

1. The responder must always be accompanied by another member of staff.

2. You must not touch, hold or have any physical contact with any child or youth, unless it is a rescue situation.

3. You must not shout or raise your voice or act in any way that may indicate violent behaviour.

4. You can explain that they children are not allowed on public jetties unless accompanied by an adult. (This may not work and you do not have any powers to remove them.)

5. If there are a great number of children/youths (10 or more) this can be classed as a danger to other members of the public and the children/youths should be asked to leave the jetty. That number could cause those using the ferry (on Hamble Jetty) or vessels mooring alongside a danger. If they do not move you should call the police and ask them to attend in order to remove them, as they are a danger to themselves and/or others.

6. You can tell them to remove bicycles, clothing, bags and any other item that could cause a danger to others. These items are classed as a trip hazard.

7. If you are asked to attend incidents involving youths on the A27 or M27 bridges you can only observe and call the police. You should not put yourself in danger from stone throwers. If you did attend your main purpose should be to warn other River users and/or rescue any unfortunate children/youths in difficulties.

8. If you are asked to attend the railway bridge because of children or youths, the British Transport Police must be called and informed of the situation. Again you can only attend and observe the situation.

9. Once the incident is over you must complete a full report, which should be completed as soon as possible.