Storm Lilian caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage at harbour

The historic town of Conwy
-Credit: (Image: Richard Williams)


Gale-force winds during a summer storm caused tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage at Conwy harbour. According to a harbour master’s report, wind gusts of 64 knots were predicted on Thursday, August 22 by Capel Curig weather station before Storm Lilian hit the next day.

The station also predicted one of the highest tides of 2024 of 8.9m, leading to emergency staff being called to deal with the crisis. The winds caused serious damage during the busy summer season in a harbour packed with boats as several sections of pontoons were sunk.

Pontoons are the floating platform stages providing access to boats. The report stated: “The outer pontoon was full of vessels as it was August. Numbers are reduced over the winter months when storms are expected. The combination of high tides, gale force winds, and a full pontoon led to a failure of a shackle at the bridge end pontoon riser.

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“Failure of the riser caused the pontoon system to move bodily to seaward. The forces acting on (the) seaward most pontoon caused the concrete deck to break in half, setting off a chain reaction up the pontoon as the forces increased. Harbour staff responded immediately, with many returning from leave. Together with the co-operation of boat owners, all vessels were removed from the pontoon.

“The gales and high tides continued, resulting in three pontoon sections sinking to the riverbed, with two further pontoons damaged beyond repair. Over a two-week period, staff worked early morning shifts to recover the pontoon sections and relay the pontoon mooring tackle. The outer pontoon system has been in place for 20 years without serious incident.”

The report said each pontoon costs around £20,000 to replace and that funds will be needed to replace pontoons beyond a state of repair. A report on the damage caused to the harbour is set to be discussed at next Wednesday’s (October 2) harbour advisory committee at Bodlondeb.

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