Gale force winds collapse walkway at Ardglass marina

Gale force winds collapse walkway at Ardglass marina

6 July 2022

A WALKWAY at Ardglass marina collapsed in gale force winds last week when a visiting yacht broke its moorings and crashed sideways into the structure causing damaged in the region of £85,000.

There were no reports of any injuries during the incident at the Phennick Cove marina, but winds were so severe at the time that the yacht could not be recovered until the stormy weather subsided.

The damage to the walkway left the crews of the visiting yachts stranded on their vessels until temporary repairs could be made.

The estimated repair bill to bring the walkway back to its original condition has been estimated in the region of £85,000, potentially including the installation of stronger moorings. The bill for the temporary repairs to secure the marina have already exceeded £2,500.

It is understood a buoyancy chamber on one of the pontoons at the Phennick Cove harbour collapsed in the collision, causing the walkway to crumple during the stormy weather which swept across the local landscape at the start of last week.

Boats from France, the Isle of Man, England and the Republic of Ireland were among those moored at the time of last Tuesday’s incident.

The marina is a chain fixed pontoon type which is open 24 hours and is located in what has been described as one of the safest small harbours on the east coast of Ireland, following improvements in recent years.

In addition, the marina plays an important role in boosting tourism in the village, with yachts from Europe and England frequently mooring there during the summer.

Local councillor, Dermot Curran, is hopeful that the insurers of the yacht involved in the incident, which he understands are liable for the cost of the repairs, would work swiftly to allow for “full and comprehensive repairs” to be funded to avoid revenue loss for the marina.

“That part of the pontoon which was damaged takes in ten boats and that’s a fair amount of revenue,” he said.

“Sailors who use the marina make their way into the village and they might take a taxi into Downpatrick, so their presence all contributes to the area’s income.”

Cllr Curran said the marina, the surrounding amenities and tourist attractions, including the village’s castles and rich history of the local environment “shows that this area of South Down is very attractive in terms of the tourist industry”.