Fishermen's fury as harbour lock gates fail AGAIN

PLYMOUTH'S flood defence lock gates have once again failed, causing boats to be trapped inside and outside of the harbour.

- By ALEX DRISCOLL

The lock gates, at Sutton Harbour, failed on Monday, ahead of expected bad weather, causing disruption for vessels inside and outside the harbour.

Vessels trapped inside the harbour faced a wait to be able to head out to sea once again, while those outside the harbour were unable to unload their catches.

In addition, vessels outside the harbour were unable to safely moor in preparation for expected bad weather. Flood alerts had been issued ahead of high tide and bad weather was set to affect those vessels not moored safely.

Sutton Harbour put out a statement on social media during the afternoon, saying a hydraulic fault has caused the lock gates to malfunction. The statement said: "The Sutton Harbour lock is currently out of operation following a hydraulic fault, with no passage possible in or out of the harbour.

"Environment Agency (EA) engineers are in attendance to assess and carry out necessary repairs. Updates will be provided when these become available.

"Vessels are advised to contact the Lock Tower on VHF Channel 12 or 01752 204732."

But Plymouth fisherman Brian Tapper slammed Sutton Harbour for failing to provide a provision to support those stuck due to the lock gate failing. Mr Tapper said the lock gate failure is "getting a bit regular now".

Posting on Facebook, he said: "Yet again fishing boats stuck inside Sutton Harbour unable to go fish while others are stuck outside since yesterday due to broken lock gates. Sutton Harbour staff tell us it's the EA's responsibility but no provision made to help support us.