THREE mines used to raise funds for the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society have been refurbished thanks to Ports of Jersey.
The mines, at West Park, St Helier Marina and Gorey, are among dozens across the British Isles which are used as collection boxes.
The society gives the money to shipwreck survivors, as well as the widows and orphans of those lost at sea.
The society’s honorary agent Captain Bob Asplet, who has serviced the Jersey mines for the past 27 years with his wife Norma, has recently had to stand down due to ill health, and former harbourmaster Captain Brian Nibbs temporarily took over responsibilities.
Responding to a plea for assistance to refurbish the mines, the current harbourmaster, Captain Bill Sadler, offered the services of marine apprentice Adam Hart, under the supervision of marine operations manager, Fleur Moisan.
Captain Nibbs said: “Adam has done an excellent job in between his other duties, and the mines – now in pristine condition, bearing in mind that they are of Second World War vintage – are back in position and ready to resume collections.”
The three mines have raised more than £8,500 since records began in 2000.
Captain Howard Le Cornu, another former harbourmaster, has accepted the position of honorary agent for Jersey and will be able to keep a constant weather eye on the mine at St Helier Marina as it is only 50 yards from his office window.
