Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Decision Report

1. Executive Summary

1.1. This report summarises the activities and events in the Harbour from 19 July 2009. Any incidents or events 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 at various times between the hours of 0600 and 2200 (and, on occasions, until midnight)

3. Incidents

3.1. 19 July. Patrol assisted a Laser dinghy with three persons on board which had capsized off Mercury Marina. Boat recovered to Hamble. No casualties.

3.2. 19 July. Patrol discovered that the upstream end of the RAFYC mid-stream pontoon had become disconnected from the adjoining pontoon, leaving moored boats at risk. Pontoon secured with ropes and RAFYC informed. Affected boats removed to Visitors' Pontoon.

3.3. 20 July. Thank you letter received from dinghy sailor who had been assisted by the Patrol, including the words `....it was the un-patronising and gentlemanly way the help was offered that made it all the better to receive.'

3.4. 23 July. Patrol went to the assistance of a yacht with engine failure. Towed to Port Hamble (nearest point of safety).

3.5. 24 July. Report of tender and outboard, stolen from Deacon's yard

3.6. 25 July. Numerous complaints about weed accumulation on Warsash slipway, making access to launching facilities very difficult. Fareham Borough Council and Hampshire County Council informed. The slipway was eventually cleared on 29/30 July

3.7. 25 July. Catamaran berthed alongside Hamble Jetty had shore lines let go by local youths during the night. Police informed.

3.8. 25 July. Patrol attended a collision between a sailing yacht with engine failure and a fishing vessel berthed on the Fishermen's Jetty. Details exchanged.

3.9. 26 July. Patrol assisted a capsized dinghy off Port Hamble. Dinghy and crew were returned safely to Stone Pier Yard.

3.10. 27 July. Patrol attended a collision between two yachts off Hamble. Details exchanged.

3.11. 31 July. Patrol responded to reports of people trespassing on moored boats near Deacon's yard. No damage, but one owner (who was on board at the time) was very shaken by the experience.

3.12. 4 August. A Laser SB3 was found aground on Hamble Spit with no one on board. Owner informed - likely that the boat had been set adrift from Cowes the previous evening.

3.13. 5 August. Report of tampering and attempted theft of a RIB from the Royal Southern Yacht Club. Marine Police informed.

3.14. 6 August. Report of a collision between two yachts (one moored) off Royal Southern Yacht Club. The offending yacht had left the scene without stopping. Patrol investigated and found the offending yacht - details passed to Royal Southern.

3.15. 6 August. Patrol assisted yacht with engine failure - towed to Warsash Jetty.

3.16. 7 August. Tender reported stolen from Swanwick hard. Police informed.

3.17. 7 August. Speedboat with two persons on board towed from River entrance to Hamble Jetty - engine failure.

3.18. 8 August. Report of three people seen stealing a tender from Deacon's boatyard. Police informed.

3.19. 9 August. Report of propeller stolen from outboard engine on moored vessel (midstream mooring).

3.20. 9 August. Speedboat with four persons on board broken down and aground in upper Hamble. Patrol attended and towed boat to Swanwick slipway.

3.21. 9 August. Patrol assisted a yacht which had fouled the picking line of an adjacent mooring. Patrol secured the yacht temporarily and returned at low tide to re-berth correctly.

3.22. 11 August. Report of theft of a prop guard and 40 litres of fuel from a RIB.

3.23. 12 August. Yacht with engine failure towed from River entrance to Deacon's boatyard. A charge was made for this service.

3.24. 13 August. Report of youths jumping from superstructure of Warsash Maritime Academy jetty. Patrol attended.

3.25. 14 August. Tender stolen from Deacon's boatyard. Police informed.

3.26. 14 August. Report of swimmers in the main channel opposite Hamble Jetty shortly before arrival of a large sight seeing vessel. Patrol attended and found swimmers hiding under a mid-stream pontoon. Patrol returned swimmers to Hamble Jetty. Marine Police attended.

3.27. 16 August. A dead swan was found in the River. DEFRA officials removed the carcass.

3.28. 17 August. Yacht with engine problems towed from River entrance to Visitors' Pontoon.

3.29. 17 August. A vessel which had spent the night on Hamble Jetty reported that some of its lines had been let go during the night.

3.30. 19 August. Yacht with engine failure towed from River entrance to Warsash Jetty.

3.31. 21 August. Report of a large (225hp) outboard engine stolen from a RIB. Police informed.

3.32. 22 August. Report that the Hamble - Warsash Ferry and the River Taxi had both had their lines let go during the night, whilst alongside Hamble Jetty.

3.33. 23 August. Lines of three more vessels on Hamble Jetty let go during the night. Police informed but did not attend.

4. Other Patrol activity

4.1. The Harbour Patrol has been very active in ensuring that vessels do not speed or cause dangerous wash. A number of verbal and written warnings have been issued to those found exceeding the limits.

4.2. Cowes fireworks: Both Harbour patrol boats on duty throughout the evening. No incidents, apart from some speeding RIBs which had to be slowed.

4.3. Bursledon Regatta: A highly successful and well-attended event, supported throughout by the Harbour Patrol. No incidents reported.

4.4. Two high profile events have taken place during the period: the Firefly National Championships and the Class 40 World Championship. Competitors for both events were based in the Hamble.

5. Thefts

5.1. There has been a significant increase in the number of reported thefts on and around the harbour in recent weeks. These range from relatively minor crimes, such as taking a tender (probably for `joyriding') through the theft of small outboard motors to two incidents where very large outboards were stolen from the transoms of RIBs. Both occurred at night and in positions where access could only have been gained from the water. A substantial craft, with lifting equipment, would be required, which suggests that these crimes are well-planned rather than opportunistic. The police are investigating.

6. Hamble Jetty

6.1. There is a disturbing new trend where boats berthed alongside Hamble Jetty have had their berthing lines, allegedly let go by groups of youths during the night. In all cases, the boats have been occupied and the crews have been able to recover the situation without incurring significant damage. However, this is a clear safety issue - for example, if an unoccupied boat were let go, it could drift with the wind and tide causing considerable damage to itself and other boats. The police are aware, but almost powerless to do anything about this dangerous and anti-social behaviour.

7. Recommendation

7.1. It is recommended that this report be noted.

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