Holyhead devastated by storm Emma
The marina at Greystones’ twin town Holyhead in Wales was destroyed last week during Storm Emma.
The marina and 80 boats were wrecked in high winds, according to Lieutenant Commander Sue Williams of Holyhead Sea Cadets.
‘ The scene left after the storm was like the aftermath of a tsunami,’ she said.
Just two boats remain afloat, with others sunk on the marina site or strewn on nearby rocks. Around 10 of the vessels were larger workboats.
Greystones and Holyhead have been twin towns since 2012. Some of their citizens are due to visit Greystones this month for St Patrick’s Day.
Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District Cllr Derek Mitchell said that the council will be writing to their neighbours soon, following this week’s district meeting.
He said that most jobs in Holyhead are based around the marina and it is a terrible blow to the town. ‘It’s a large harbour there and the waves can become quite big within it,’ said Cllr Mitchell. He said that this is a big blow to the town. ‘A number of the crafts were working boats servicing the wind farms, their livelihoods have
(Photo: Karen Kelly).
been wrecked.’ he said.
‘Homes, livelihoods and possessions have been lost or destroyed,’ said Lt Cmdr Williams.
‘People stood by helplessly as the boats were blown free of their berths and the marina infrastructure crumbled before their eyes.
‘Owners were in tears as they witnessed their boats and in some cases homes disappear slowly and painfully beneath the angry waves or getting battered on to the nearby rocks,’ she said.
A salvage and recovery operation got under way on Sunday with larger boats and some yachts being pulled clear of the rocks by tugs on high tide.
Volunteers helped to clear debris washed along the coastline with local businesses donating items and food to those involved.
‘ The legacy of this disaster for Holyhead will be felt for a long time,’ said Lt Cmdr Williams.