Following questions from the JEP, Ports of Jersey confirmed that the storm gate at Elizabeth Marina was currently out of operation due to a technical fault.
The gate, which is used to prevent surging water and damage within the marina, when force eight or above winds are forecast, was raised on 7 November. However, at around 5 pm it suddenly dropped and water surged into the marina, causing a pontoon to break free and leading to damage to two vessels.
A spokesman for Ports of Jersey said that the reason for the failure of the gate was not known.
‘The duty engineer, duty officer and marine leisure staff responded immediately to ensure the immediate safety of those vessels in Elizabeth Marina and prevent, where possible, any further damage to property. No further incidents of damage were reported.’
He added: ‘The cause of the storm gate failure is still not known and it remains out of operation at this time while Ports of Jersey’s engineering team continues to undertake further investigations and make arrangements to repair it. There is no risk to vessels berthed in Elizabeth Marina and Ports of Jersey continues to manage the risk during any periods of forecasted poor weather and tidal conditions.
‘Vessels in exposed areas of Elizabeth Marina have been well secured and Ports of Jersey is confident that Elizabeth Marina is safe and sound.’
The damage was described as ‘minimal’.
