Condor complains after fishing weight hits ferry
Wednesday 2nd September 2009, 11:30AM BST.
CONDOR has formally complained to the Harbour Authority after the lead weight from a fishing line cast from the Castle Breakwater hit a fast ferry’s wheelhouse window.
Harbour master, Captain Peter Gill, said the incident, which happened about a fortnight ago, was one of a series of problems thought to involve a minority of anglers which had been reported by boaters.
He is warning that line fishing in the area could be banned.
‘This is not something that happened by accident and if people think it is fun or good sport, then they’d better think again,’ he said.
One yachtsman reported a fishing line weight being cast through a sail and the hook sticking in it.
The harbour master said he was recently aboard a larger vessel that a pilot was guiding into St Peter Port.
‘A fisherman on the breakwater was waving his arms signalling for us to keep clear of his line. It just defies belief that someone can think that fishing has priority over boats in a harbour mouth.’
Condor general manager Channel Islands, Yan Milner, said his company had been operating locally for 40 years and had used fast ferries for the past 20.
‘This is the first time that we have had this problem and I think the harbour master is right when he says the problems are being caused by a minority,’ he said.
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As usual, the mindless minority spoil things for the majority.
However, would it not be possible for the ferries to enter the harbour in such a way they don’t cut across the pier? Just look at the picture above!
After all, fishing has taken place for decades without incident and i can understand the anglers frustration.
A simple compromise.
GD.
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Of course, no mention of the ‘responsible’ few boat owners I have experienced who deliberately drive through the fishing lines when the harbour mouth is clear. Is there really any need for the wavepiercer to come in as close as it appears to be in the photograph?
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The harbour was made for boats who have full priority over spectators and anglers. Non-boaters are very lucky to have access over most of the facility unlike in most parts of the world where harbours are out of bounds to the public.
The breakwater is badly abused by a small minority of idiots who create havoc, kill juvenile fish and leave litter and bait rotting all over the place.
Maybe a specific licence just for fishing the harbour (not elsewhere!!) would help. £10 a year and random spot checks by the Harbour staff or Sea Fisheries once a week. Anyone without a card or being an idiot gets sent off or the Police get called to escort them if they protest.
Shame to close it though as lots of responsible young anglers and families use the place and its great for teaching kids how to fish.
PS – I am a keen angler so not having a pop at fishermen. I do avoid the place though as not enjoyable being there.
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Mindless pratts !! This is completely unacceptable and the minority are going to spoil it for the majority.
As for the fast ferry passing close to the pier, tidal movements have to be taken into account when approaching the harbour. Vessels can’t necessarily approach straight on or they could end up in St Sampson’s harbour instead !!
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Quite true Pleinmont.
However you forgot to mention that the people, not only boat owners pay for the upkeep of the Harbour and it’s surroundings,
So if only boats are allowed then I take it we the public, can refuse to pay our taxes.
After all said and done why pay for something we cannot use,
I’m afraid Hitler’s mob left many legacies in Guernsey, this is one of them
BAN EVERYTHING I DON’T LIKE,
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