Following the reports that a vehicle was submerged in St. Aubin’s Harbour, advise why this vehicle was in the harbour, how it got stranded, was it on the beach legally, cost of this incident and insurance cover action taken to prevent further incidents

2.18  The Deputy of St. John of the Minister  for Economic Development regarding a stranded vehicle in St. Aubin's Harbour:

I did not expect to get there this morning. Following the reports that a vehicle was submerged in St. Aubin's Harbour, would the Minister advise why this vehicle was in the harbour, how it got stranded, whether the vehicle was on the beach legally, provide details of the cost of this incident and details of insurance cover and outline what action, if any, he has taken to prevent further incidents of this nature occurring in relation to the harbours.

Senator A.J.H. Maclean (The Minister for Economic Development):

In response to the Deputy 's comment, I was rather hoping we would not get there

either. [Laughter]  I can add that it was more than a report. There was, in fact, some

quite helpful photographic evidence printed in the  Jersey Evening Post, which confirmed that a Jersey Harbours' Land Rover was indeed submerged in St. Aubin's Harbour as a result of mechanical failure. The Land Rover was carrying out planned maintenance, replacing risers and mooring chains. This is routine work that was started in the Spring and was being completed when this unfortunate incident occurred. The vehicle was purchased second-hand for this type of work. It was insured. I understand the claim has been agreed by the insurers. I am therefore told

that Jersey Harbours will face no financial loss as a result. To reduce the risk of a

similar accident happening again, the Harbours Department are reviewing their standard operating procedures to see if they indeed need tightening-up.

1. The Deputy of St. John :

Given the many environment concerns that have been raised in this Chamber over recent times, can the Minister confirm or otherwise that diesel or petrol, whatever was in the vehicle, and oil from the engine did not escape from the vehicle while it was submerged? If it did, what action was taken? Were booms deployed? If not, why not?

Senator A.J.H. Maclean:

I share the Deputy 's concerns about the environmental impact. Indeed I am sure he is taking great care to ensure his diesel boat is converted to a sail craft to also improve the environmental impact. I cannot answer his question about leakage.  As far as I am aware there was no leakage, but I certainly will look into the matter if it will be helpful to him, and see  indeed if any was detected on sand after the event was concluded.

2. The Deputy of St. John :

Will the Minister confirm or otherwise that booms were not deployed on that occasion, given that I was down at his department last week and that was confirmed to me by officers in his presence, and I would have thought he would have been aware of the answer? Will he undertake to go on an exercise and see how booms are deployed? Go out to sea on the tug and show that he is a hands-on Minister within his department.

Senator A.J.H. Maclean:

I think that is a splendid idea and the reason I delegated responsibilities for the harbour to my Assistant Minister is that I would hope that he would take on board and go indeed with the good Deputy to witness such an incident occurring. He rightly says we did invite him down to the harbour. He came down. He had a look at the tug. He had a look at some work being undertaken on the pilot boat. We engage regularly with the good Deputy , who shows interest in the Harbour Department and will continue to do so. His interjections in such matters are always very helpful.

The Deputy Bailiff :

Before we go any further, can I remind Members that Standing Order 63 says: "Up to 2 hours shall be allowed."  It is not compulsory to use it. [Laughter]

The Deputy of St. John :

Can I thank the Minister for his reply.