Vessels secured ahead of Hurricane Tammy’s impact

As Hurricane Tammy whipped up seas in its passage to the north of the island, Chief Fisheries Officer Dr Shelly-Ann Cox on Friday reported smooth sailing for fishermen in securing their vessels at the various ports around the island.

She told Barbados TODAY that since the Tropical Storm Watch was issued on Thursday, boat owners have been “very proactive” in seeking safe harbour and hauling their vessels out of the water wherever possible.

“For sure, Oistins is clear. The fisheries complex behind our building [in Bridgetown] is filled with vessels. Port St Charles allowed access for fishing vessels on Thursday at 12 p.m., and Consett Bay in itself is more or less a safe harbour,” she said.
Cox noted that in cases where boats could not be brought out of the water, operators reinforced their mooring.

“I must say generally across the landing sites, they’ve been proactive in making preparations for [Hurricane] Tammy,” she said.

“When I passed Pile Bay this morning, there were still relatively calm conditions. Some calm conditions were reported at Weston as well earlier today. I think everybody is looking to see what happens (later),” Cox said, noting that during the passage of the last system, one boat had been lost and several others damaged.

With the weather system causing a deterioration in marine conditions, a small craft warning and a high surf advisory remained in effect throughout the day as swells between eight and 11 feet were recorded in open water.

Cox also said that a check with the four longliners that were more than 400 miles offshore had revealed that they were all “safe and sound”. (JB)