Mooring contractor prosecuted for causing navigational hazard

Laura Hodgetts
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A mooring contractor from Landshipping has been prosecuted by the Port of Milford Haven for causing a hazard to navigation in the Waterway.

Haverfordwest Magistrates Court heard that on 6 August 2015 the yacht Liberation was found adrift whilst still secured to a mooring. Although the yacht was owned by a visiting yachtsman, investigations revealed that the mooring had been laid by Alun Lewis a short time prior to the incident and his permission was given for its use by the visiting yacht.

Lewis, of Landshipping and who provides mooring maintenance services, was prosecuted under port byelaws for laying moorings without the permission of the Harbourmaster, placing and permitting an obstruction within the Haven, and undertaking an act which injuriously affected the safety of navigation.

At his trial on 19 December 2015, Lewis was found guilty of the charges brought against him. He was issued a fine of £500 and ordered to pay costs of £1,270, plus a £50 victim surcharge; a total of £1,820.

Harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven Bill Hirst said: The Port is the only authority that can license moorings on the river.  This ensures that the correct moorings are used for the correct boats, therefore helping to maintain the highest levels of safety for all users.’