Publication: Daily Nation
Paper Section And Page: 1
Paper Date: Thu, Jan 18, 2001
Byline: by Terry Ally
AUTHORITIES are investigating damage to a sizeable area of coral reef suspected to be in the Folkestone Marine Reserve by two visiting yachts.
The Cayman Islands-registered Blue Leopard and the Virginian, whose home port could not be ascertained, dropped anchor (in an area suspected to be) within the boundaries of the marine park on top of reef-building corals. When a Daily Nation team visited yesterday morning, both anchors were wedged on coral heads while their chains stretched over other coral reefs.
Assistant to the Harbour Master, Herbert Martin, said he knew they had entered the island but was unaware they were anchored on the West Coast. He said yachts must go to the Bridgetown Harbour for Immigration and Customs clearance and might be accommodated if there was room, otherwise they should go to Carlisle Bay. Martin said the two yachts might have had Customs permission to leave Carlisle Bay but an order to arrest the vessels, if there were grounds, would have to be requested by the Coastal Zone Management Unit.
"If the Coastal Zone Management Unit finds that they are liable for any damage to coral reefs they may apply for a detention order and we will have the vessels detained," Martin added.
Coastal Zone director Dr. Leonard Nurse said they were checking information and assembling evidence, so they could be ready for prosecution if it became necessary.
Folkestone Marine Park manager John
Nicholls said he was also investigating and would work with the Coastal
Zone. He said the park was a no-anchoring zone except for berthing of
smaller vessels using mooring buoys and the two yachts were apparently
berthed
within the northernmost boundary.
Comptroller of Customs Captain Randolph Straughn said he was unaware of the specific circumstances but that as a rule, yachtsmen may apply for permission for coastal cruising and it would be granted subject to certain conditions and security requirements which included no overnighting elsewhere on the coast.
Water sports operator at Folkestone Marine Park, Stevenson Taitt, said the berthing of yachts and anchor damage was a frequent occurrence.
"It happens often, especially at this time of year, and despite my complaints to the authorities there is no action," he said.
His surveys found that the Virginian had about 40 to 50 feet of chain dropped across the reef and its constant swaying was destroying the corals. He estimated about 400 to 500 square feet of corals had been destroyed. The anchor came to rest in a patch of pencil corals, and a Government official said the anchors might have to be cut and dropped.
The Blue Leopard has left, and crew from the Virginian said no one would be available to speak with the Press.
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