Buoys Safety Fears

Leigh On Sea News: Buoys Safety Fears – A LEIGH boat operator has called for an urgent overhaul of navigation buoys in Leigh Creek and the Ray Gut, warning that the current system poses a growing safety risk to commercial and recreational vessels.
Angus Browne, of Brownes Thames Estuary Boat Trips, runs passenger vessels and regularly navigates the channel, and has recently written to local councillors and marine authorities raising concerns about ageing navigation aids.
He said: “The existing buoys have been in place for many years and are now becoming increasingly unreliable.
“They regularly move from their intended positions, become damaged, break free, or are difficult to identify, particularly during periods of darkness or poor visibility.”
The concerns relate to a range of water users, including commercial passenger vessels, cockling boats, fishing vessels, sailing clubs, yacht owners and visiting leisure craft.
Mr. Browne warned that navigating the channel at night can be particularly challenging, with him and other operator forced to use powerful searchlights which can dazzle and temporarily blind other mariners.
Particular concern has also been raised about a light buoy near the entrance to the Ray Gut, which no longer has a functioning navigation light and relies only on reflective tape.
“In my opinion, this is not sufficient for a busy tidal channel that is regularly used by commercial and recreational vessels,” he said.
The call for improvements comes following recent dredging works and continued investment in Leigh’s dock and marina facilities as part of a £14.8 million project set to future-proof the historic maritime location for generations.
Mr. Browne believes this revamp presents an ideal opportunity to modernise the area’s navigation infrastructure.
“A new set of correctly positioned navigation marks, fitted with appropriate lighting and reflective materials, would significantly improve safety for all users,” he added.
As part of his proposal, he is seeking an urgent review of the buoyage and navigational system, and is calling on the Council, marine authorities, commercial operators and local stakeholders to get on board with this campaign.
“Safe navigation should be a priority, and it is essential that the infrastructure supporting marine operations within Southend and Leigh remains fit for purpose,” he added.
Coun Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment, and Waste at Southend Council commented: “We take the safety of all water users extremely seriously.
“As Harbour Authority, the Council is responsible for navigation marks in Leigh Creek and Hadleigh Ray, which are routinely monitored and maintained.
“These are dynamic tidal channels, and we are working with the Port of London Authority to review the condition and positioning of navigation aids. The specification of these is based on local conditions, and this work will inform any future improvements alongside wider discussions linked to the Leigh Port project.”
Picture: operator Mr Browne is calling for action. Pic Brownes Ventures
REPORT BY SOPHIE SLEIGH-JOHNSON
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