'Critical' buoy replaced in specialist operation

One of the most important navigational buoys for the Bailiwick of Guernsey will be replaced later, Guernsey Ports has said.

The Reffée Buoy - situated off Guernsey's east coast - is one of three major cardinal buoys maintained by the organisation.

The buoys need to be replaced every three years because they are exposed to powerful tidal currents, wave action and changing weather conditions.

The buoys are replaced as part of a rolling maintenance programme, with a fourth buoy kept ashore in preparation for the next deployment, Guernsey Ports said.

Guernsey Ports said its Sarnia workboat and Trinity House's buoy-handling vessel, THV Galatea, would remove and replace the "critical navigational aid" on Saturday morning.

The Reffee Buoy marks the southern edge of a group of rocks north east of the QE2 Marina.

James Way, harbour master, said: "Maintaining these navigational aids is a year-round responsibility for Guernsey Ports as the local lighthouse authority for the island.

"A significant amount of work takes place behind the scenes before a buoy ever reaches the water.

"Our teams carry out the refurbishment, preparation and ongoing maintenance of this infrastructure.

"The buoy being brought ashore will now be inspected, grit blasted, repainted and reconfigured with the appropriate top marks to become the Lower Heads buoy next year."

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