Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report

1. Executive Summary

1.1 This report summarises the activities and events in the Harbour from 1 May 2009. Any incidents taking place after this report is distributed will be the subject of a separate Annex to be distributed at the meeting.

2. Report

2.1 The Harbour has been patrolled daily by the Duty Harbour Master.

3. Incidents

3.1 3 May: The patrol gave assistance to a 30 foot yacht with engine failure. The yacht was towed into the Harbour to the Harbour Master's Jetty at Warsash.

3.2 4 May: The Patrol gave assistance to a 24 foot yacht with engine failure. The yacht was towed into the Harbour to the Harbour Master's Jetty at Warsash.

3.3 10 May: 1200hrs a woman suffering from a number of cuts to her legs while swimming in the sea from a small craft off Gurnard, Isle of Wight, came into the Harbour Master's office. She was given first aid by the Harbour Staff and advised to see a doctor or go to the A&E for a dressing.

3.4 16 May: 1430hrs call received from Solent Coastguard requesting the Harbour Authority assist a yacht (MacGregor 26) in difficulties at the entrance to the Harbour. The patrol towed the vessel to the Harbour Master's jetty at Warsash.

3.5 18 May: At 1115hrs the patrol attended and gave assistance to a 40 foot racing yacht suffering from engine failure that was held fast on mooring lines. Removing the vessel safely was difficult owing to the strong ebb tide. The vessel was safely untangled from the mooring lines and returned to Hamble Yacht Services.

3.6 21 May: Patrol gave assistance to a yacht that had lost power and was found drifting in the main channel of the Harbour.

3.7 23 May: The motor vessel `Sea Finn ` and a yacht named ` Havana ` were involved in an incident off the fuel jetty at Port Hamble. This incident remains a matter between the two insurance companies and the owners of the two vessels. Following an investigation by the Harbour Master it was concluded that the incident had no bearing on the Harbour's Safety Management System.

3.8 23 May: The patrol gave assistance to a yacht (J109) that was experiencing difficulties as its engine was intermittently failing. The yacht was towed into the Harbour by the Patrol.

3.9 23 May: 1800hrs the Patrol gave assistance to a 36 foot yacht suffering from engine failure.

3.10 24 May: The Patrol gave assistance to a small power boat with four people on board. The boat was experiencing engine difficulties. The Patrol towed the boat to a safe location.

3.11 30 May: Patrol recovered a tender that had been misappropriated by 4 youths who had mistakenly taken the boat from Warsash Sailing Club jetty. Although the youths were clearly intoxicated and abusive towards staff, they left the scene before the Police could be called.

3.12 30 May: Four people found water-skiing outside Mercury Marina. They were unaware of the bye-laws and stopped immediately when spoken to.

3.13 30 May: A passenger on the Hamble-Warsash Ferry had jumped from the boat in an attempt to rescue his dog which had jumped over the side. The skipper of the ferry recovered the man and his dog who then went on their way once ashore.

3.14 30 May: Patrol received a report of a collision between a motor vessel and moored boats in Cabin Boatyard and RK Marine. The Patrol searched for the offending vessel but was unable to find it in the Harbour. A message was sent to all harbours on the south coast regarding the vessel without any further information being received. No further details available.

3.15 31 May: Patrol recovered a RIB found drifting with two people on board at the Harbour entrance. The RIB was recovered to the Harbour Master's Jetty at Warsash.

3.16 31 May: Patrol found a 25 foot motor cruiser anchored in the main channel at the Harbour entrance (engine failure). Patrol recovered the vessel to the Harbour Master's jetty at Warsash.

3.17 31 May: Patrol towed a 36 foot sailing yacht into the Harbour after receiving a request on the VHF radio. The yacht was suffering from a failed engine. The vessel was towed to the visitors' pontoon at Warsash.

3.18 11 June: Coastguard called and requested the Harbour Authority give assistance to a RIB that was approaching the Harbour with a casualty on board with a head injury. An ambulance and paramedic was organised to meet the incoming RIB by the Harbour Office. First aid was given by Harbour Authority staff on the journey into the harbour. The casualty was removed by ambulance to hospital.

3.19 18 June: A motor Cruiser reported a suspected engine fire on board the vessel as the boat departed the Harbour. The boat was towed to the fisherman's jetty by the patrol where Hampshire Fire and Rescue surveyed with infra red equipment, confirming there was no fire. It was later discovered the engine had been run without a water supply and had overheated.

3.20 23 June: Motor Fishing Vessel arrested following none payment of Harbour Dues.

4. Other Patrol Activity

4.1 During the period the Harbour Patrol also responded to incidents involving poorly moored vessels, flapping sails and tenders found drifting in the Harbour. Charges were made as per the ` tariff of charges ` when appropriate.

4.2 The Harbour Patrol has also been very active in ensuring vessels do not speed or cause dangerous or unnecessary wash. A number of verbal and written warnings have been issued to those found exceeding the limits. None of the incidents have been worthy of further legal action.

5. Swimmers

5.1 The Patrol has had to attend to a number of incidents involving youths/children jumping and swimming in the Harbour. On these occasions those found in the water or jumping from the bridges/pontoon/jetties were requested to cease the activity as it was dangerous to themselves and users of the Harbour. The reports include:

5.1.1 As many as 30 youths children jumping from Hamble jetty and causing a nuisance as well as acting dangerously by jumping in front of moving vessels.

5.1.2 Youths jumping from the A27 road bridge into the Harbour.

5.1.3 Youths jumping from the M27 bridge into the Harbour.

5.1.4 Youths on the Harbour Master's Jetty and the Fishermen's Jetty at Warsash acting dangerously.

5.2 There are a number of initiatives underway to help overcome the problems encountered and the dangers caused by these youths and children. The Police are currently trying to assign officers and the Harbour Patrol will be taking measures to reduce the impact of the problem.

5.3 Following a meeting with the Police Inspector at Hedge End police station a stepped approach has been established regarding response from police assets. It has been agreed that the Harbour Authority will try to resolve the situation on Hamble Jetty to ensure safety procedures are followed before telephoning 999. If a 999 call is made the control room will receive information on the computer informing of the stepped approach and priority will be given. All attempts must be made to resolve to the situation before making a 999 call and such a call will only be made if it is thought that a danger exists to the youths or others.

5.4 The Harbour Master is currently negotiating a similar agreement with the Park Gate Inspector.

6. Gig Racing

6.1 The annual gig race known as ` The Hamble River Raid ` took place in the Harbour on Saturday 9 May. The race was very well attended by 13 boats. The race started at Hamble Jetty making a turn at Bursledon Pool and returning to Hamble Jetty. The Harbour Patrol escorted the race and ensured the areas of conflict with Harbour traffic remained safe at all times. There were also a number of safety boats escorting the fleet.

7. Harbour Master's Charity Pursuit Race

7.1 This year's race took place on Saturday 6 June and was very well attended. The prize giving took place in the Warsash Sailing Club following the racing.

8. The 65^th Anniversary of D-Day and Memorial Service

8.1 A memorial Service was held at the Commando War Memorial at Warsash on Saturday 6 June. It was attended by Royal Marines Commandos, members of the Parachute Regiment, Scots Dragoon Guards and other members of Army units. The main body of the service personnel arrived in a Landing Craft (Tank) which had sailed from the Royal Marines base in Poole Harbour. Earlier the day before and through the night most of the military personnel had taken part in a run starting in London with the aim of collecting for the Charity `The Not Forgotten Association'.

8.2 Lt Col Rupert Alers-Hankey Scots Dragoon Guards handed a letter from the Lord Mayor of the City of London to the Mayor of Fareham, Cllr Ruth Godrich.

9. Modifications & Renovation to Hamble Public Jetty

9.1 The five-yearly survey report of Hamble Jetty (June 2007) indicated that work will soon be required to be undertaken on the jetty. As an example, the bridge walkway requires sandblasting and repainting, and the front face of the jetty is suffering from splash damage which has lead to corrosion. There are also some modifications that could be completed which might help to discourage use of the jetty for unauthorised activities. At the same time, modifications such as improved power and water facilities could be included, to bring the Hamble Jetty in line with the facilities at Warsash. The works could also include enhancements berthing pontoons and improved tender storage facilities.

9.2 In order to help the Harbour Authority to develop these ideas, consent is requested to engage a consultant to assist in producing drawings and costs to bring forward to the Harbour Board in September 2009.

10. Recommendation

10.1 It is recommended that the River Hamble Harbour Board approve the employment of a consultant to assist with the identification and assessment of options for maintaining and enhancing Hamble Jetty.

10.2 It is recommended that the remainder of this report should be noted.

Integral Appendix A

CORPORATE OR LEGAL INFORMATION:

Links to the Corporate Strategy