BOAT OWNERS were yesterday securing their vessels at the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex in preparation for the passage of Tropical Storm Chantal.
However, some concern was expressed about the lack of space at the complex.
Jimmy Rudder, who has two boats at the complex, said the place is already crowded. “The boats that usually haul up here done got the place full up,” he said.
“You do not have to bring none from Oistins. If you haul in all from the sea, in here does be in pandemonium.”
Rudder, who has been operating at the complex since its construction in 1989, said boats that are not in use – some not seaworthy, a number damaged and others currently being worked on – were taking up important space.
Manager of the Bridgetown Market, Sherlock King, said the complex which accepts vessels from Weston, St James to Silver Sands, Christ Church, had a capacity of 151 vessels. The Bridgetown Port and Port St Charles in St Peter also accept fishing vessels.
Derville Butcher, with more than 25 years’ experience and with Bridgetown as his base, said his boat was secured from early in the morning.
“You need good rope that will not break and tyres to place between the boats or the moulding will break off when the boats begin to shift,” he said.
Joseph Mason, captain of a boat from St Peter, said he was glad to have the vessel secured.
Meanwhile, householders were also preparing for the storm.
There was moderate activity at Chanell Supermarket in Black Rock. Nicole Nelson said was just boosting up the stocks at her home. Nelson said she started her shopping earlier in the year when she heard it would be a very active hurricane season.
She said every time she went the supermarket she bought extra items so her shopping was not a mad dash.
Sisters Monica Inniss and Audrey Griffith were selecting canned items. Inniss said she already had batteries, candles and other emergency supplies.
Carter’s General Store in Wildey, St Michael had a busy day. Jacqueline Evelyn said: “I am good on food, but making sure that I have adequate lighting so if the electricity goes off we can see to get around.”
Another shopper who preferred not to be identified said: “If it was up to me I wouldn’t get anything, but with children in the house we will need light. I don’t usually run and buy food, what is at home should be enough.”
Carter’s director of marketing Brian Hurley said there was a steady flow of customers from the morning. He said lanterns, batteries, torches and water containers were the most popular items for shoppers. (LK)
