80 boats wrecked as storm blasts marina

AUTHORITIES are beginning to assess the damage after Storm Emma wreaked havoc on a Welsh port.

About 80 boats were sunk or wrecked on Friday as gale force winds caused millions of pounds worth of damage and destruction in Holyhead Marina on Anglesey.

Boats were smashed against rocks by massive waves as the storm swept through the region.

The Holyhead Harbour Authority, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and Natural Resources Wales met with the Isle of Anglesey County Council yesterday to draft an action plan.

There was damage reported to some of the marina’s pontoons and about 70 private vessels and 10 commercial boats are believed to have been affected.

Fuel has leaked into the water and the coastguard has said it is looking at how to best protect the area from further damage as rough sea conditions continued yesterday.

Members of the public have been advised to avoid the area.

Duty controller for HM Coastguard James Instance said: “We are aware that many members of the public want to help the local authority with the clean-up operation, however at this stage we are asking them to leave this job to the experts.

“There is some minor pollution in the area which will require those undertaking the operation to wear appropriate protection and equipment. We’re grateful for the offers of assistance but we’re very mindful that the public aren’t put in any danger or at risk attempting to help in what should essentially be left to the professionals.”

Holyhead Marina co-director Geoff Garrod said a “catastrophic failure” meant the boats could not be protected from the gales.