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| All photos courtesy of James Baldry from Ultimate Shot, Devon based action photographers specialising in aviation and emergency services images. |
It might well be Sea food Week but it seems someone didn't see the breakwater! High and dry, the Newlyn beam trawler, Algrie rests with her bow several feet out of the water on Mount Batten breakwater, running aground after leaving Plymouth around 9:30pm on Saturday night...
despite attempts by the Plymouth lifeboat the boat remained firmly aground = seen here hours later at low water...
although she was successfully re-floated without any serious damage to the hull and able to make her way under her own steam back to Sutton Harbour for inspection. No-one was injured in the accident...
which was recorded for posterity on AIS tracking - these days a mandatory fitment on every vessel over 15m.
Luckily the Algrie, which has not long returned from a major refit in Holland, was blessed with a shelterdecked stern - that may well have helped keep her safe and afloat by preventing any ingress of water as the tide fell and rose again before she was refloated and pulled clear at high water on Sunday morning.
On a local topographical note, Mount Batten Breakwater, (also referred to as Mount Batten Pier and Cattewater Breakwater) started in 1878 was completed in 1881 at a total cost of £20,000. It is 915 feet (279 metres) in length and the foundations are 20 feet (6 metres) below the low tide mark. The breakwater was promoted by the Cattewater Commissioners who were responsible for shipping in the area. During the air-station years the breakwater was closed to the public and used, for a period, to store flying boats. In 1995 the breakwater was refurbished and re-opened to the public.
The breakwater is a popular site for local anglers and for those watching ships using the Plymouth Sound. Boat in the Fastnet and Americas Cup, can also be viewed. In August each year, the breakwater is used for the British Firework Championships.
