Members of the public are being warned that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated at Milford Marina and Docks and anyone caught breaking the strict rules which prohibit tombstoning and other forms of anti-social behaviour will be banned from the site.

As well as tombstoning, fishing into the lock and the marina basin is also banned and there is clear signage in place to explain this.

Although fewer people are breaking the rules there are still a minority of people who continue to put themselves at risk by jumping into the water off the walls at Milford Marina and Hakin Point. Tombstoning at these locations is extremely dangerous, not only due to large numbers of commercial and leisure vessels entering and leaving the lock, but also the very real risk of suffering the effects of cold-water shock. Strong currents and submerged objects, such as shopping trolleys, can also take people by surprise.

Similarly, fishing into the lock or into the marina and dock basin is not allowed as it can cause hazards for our berth holders and fishing customers who are regularly transiting in and out of the lock. As well as being hazardous to our customers, it is dangerous for the public as it is an open quay.

Anna Malloy, Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Manager at the Port, said “Any kind of abuse towards our staff, who have been instructed to stop dangerous activity, will not be tolerated. We understand that people want to cool off and enjoy themselves when the weather is good, and the last thing we want to do is spoil anyone’s fun, but tombstoning is dangerous and we are trying to keep everyone who comes onto our land, safe.

“We are able, under our bye-laws, to issue fines and banning notices to anyone caught breaking the clear rules we have in place around Milford Marina and Docks. The rules are there for everyone’s safety and to enable the majority of people to come and enjoy the fantastic environment we are so lucky to have.”

Since 2004, the coastguard has dealt with over 200 tombstoning incidents, with more than 70 injuries and 20 deaths.

-ENDS-

Photo caption: Signs are located around the marina warning people against tombstoning

 

Notes to Editors

Port of Milford Haven

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It is widely recognised in the industry as the energy capital of the UK.

The Port, along with the cluster of energy-related businesses along the Waterway, is a key driver of economic activity in Pembrokeshire, attracting inward investment and supporting over 4,000 jobs.

The Port of Milford Haven also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Dock. Activities such as cargo handling, ferry operations, fish landing and cruise calls as well as a first class marina are spread across these two sites.

One of the most prominent on the West Coast, the Port is in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only Coastal National Park in Great Britain. It is marked as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and has many areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The Port of Milford Haven is a trust port – an independent, commercially run organisation that has statutory responsibilities governed by its Acts, to maintain and improve navigation and the provision of Port and Harbour services and facilities. Additionally, the Port provides significant financial and in-kind support to a wide variety of local causes. All profits are retained within the business to fund these objectives.

For further information, visit www.mhpa.co.uk or contact:
Anna Malloy
Port of Milford Haven
01646 696100
anna.malloy@mhpa.co.uk