Hit-and-run river collision leaves Lymington Harbour Commissioners facing £10,000 bill

LYMINGTON Harbour Commissioners are facing a £10,000 bill to replace a navigation post damaged in a hit-and-run.

The cross boom navigation post, located on the port side of the channel near the harbour entrance, was struck by the vessel sometime between 11.15am and 12.15pm last Friday.

An appeal has now been launched to track down river users who may have seen the collision.

Harbour master Ryan Willegers said: “The post was in good condition, so to cause this level of damage it would have had to be a substantial-sized boat.”

“Usually when collisions occur it is the boat that comes off far worse – in fact, the first thought is always to look to the ferry but we know from on-board CCTV footage that it was not involved.

"Ferry CCTV footage has helped to narrow down the time the incident occurred.”

The collision snapped the post at seabed level below the waterline and there is impact damage above the waterline together with blue paint, believed to be anti-foul.

From the angle of the post and the location of the damage, it is likely that the collision involved an outbound vessel.

Mr Willegers added: “The collision, which is likely to have caused significant damage to the vessel, has not been reported, in contravention of the harbour general directions.

“The fact that the incident has gone unreported also means that Lymington Harbour Commissioners cannot make a claim against the vessel owner for a replacement post which is likely to cost in the region of £10,000 to replace.

“We obviously have our own insurance in place but if we are forced to make a claim there will be an impact in future premiums.”

The post has now been removed and a temporary port navigation buoy installed. Anyone with information should contact Lymington Harbour Commissioners on 01590 672014.