Inclement Weather Results In Boating Troubles
The first spate of bad weather for this year resulted in a busy day for Bermuda Radio with at least five vessels being affected by the combination of high tides and gale force winds.
A 25 foot sailboat sank on its moorings in Mangrove Bay, a 21 foot boat became semi-submerged after taking on water in St George’s Harbour, a 25 foot Wellcraft broke away from its moorings in Flatt’s Inlet, a 27 foot Luhrs motorboat broke free of its mooring in Hamilton Harbour while a J-24 sail boat also parted its mooring chain near the RHADC
The Duty Officer said, “The first bad weather of 2014 resulted in a busy day for Bermuda Radio with several vessels falling foul of the combination of high tides and Gale Force winds.
“During the peak of the stormy conditions gusts of 56 knots at Prospect and 55 knots at Fort George were recorded and several boats experienced problems as a result. Prior to the worst of the weather a 25 foot sailboat sank on its moorings in Mangrove Bay leaving its owner the task of employing someone to re-float it.
“In St George’s Harbour, a 21 foot boat became semi-submerged after taking on water and lost its centre console in the waves but did stay afloat, whilst at Flatt’s Inlet a 25 foot Wellcraft broke away from its moorings and was secured by staff from the Van Buren Gas Station and the Aquarium who stood by until the owner was able to attend.
“In Hamilton Harbour near Soncy Bay, a 27 foot Luhrs motorboat broke free of its mooring and grounded near a dock in Point Shares. The owner of the vessel was off Island but local boat “Frolic” was on hand to tow the vessel to safety with no significant damage being suffered. Meanwhile near the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club a J-24 sail boat also parted its mooring chain and grounded on the rocky shoreline nearby.
“Whilst the weather on Friday was quite severe, it is not unusual for this time of year and many of the problems suffered by the vessels could have been avoided by good maintenance and regular inspections of moorings.
“Boat owners who keep there vessels in the water through the winter should regularly check the security of their boat on its mooring by inspecting mooring chains, ropes and related chafe gear and verify bilge pump and battery functionality should this be required.
“It is also worthwhile ensuring that contact details for your boat are kept up to date and this can be done by contacting the Moorings Section at the Department of Marine and Ports.
“Notifications regarding sunk or wrecked vessels can be made 24 hours to Bermuda Radio or the Department of Marine & Ports during normal business hours. Please visit www.marineandports.bm for other useful marine safety information.”
Ample notification of the bad weather was given. Fellow yachtsmen should take all steps required to secure their crafts. My yacht was safely secured on the slip at BBI. Prior planning prevents poor performance…or in this case a sunken yacht..
yup, my first boat sunk because of youthful stupidity and laziness…30yrs on I haven’t lost another…tough lesson learned 1984
Im in my 30s and this will never happen to my boat..
Ooh, get you.
If they were members of our yacht club then we would have to take punitive action against them for bringing yachting into disrepute.
That’s why I’d never join your club. I left school 20 years ago.
That’s what is wrong with society these day – lack of discipline…. Lebrun you are clearly not cut out for a disciplined sporting organization… Stick to football….
Boat owners who keep there vessels in the – their*