Storm Goretti Damages Alderney Breakwater, Fishermen Access Restricted

States of Guernsey News

Published March 31st, 2026

Detected March 31st, 2026

Summary

The States of Guernsey's Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure announced plans to install a new barrier at Alderney breakwater following damage from Storm Goretti. The barrier will restrict pedestrian access to damaged sections while restoring fishermen's access to the slipway for landing catch. Large holes on the lower walkway require repair as weather permits.

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What changed

Storm Goretti caused damage to the Alderney breakwater earlier in 2026, creating large holes on the lower walkway and risk of falling debris from the upper wall. The existing swing gate remains closed to the public for safety, but this restriction also blocked fishermen's access to the undamaged slipway. The Committee is installing a new barrier that will selectively restrict pedestrian access to damaged areas while permitting continued use of the slipway.

Affected parties should note that barriers will remain in place until structural repairs are completed and the breakwater is deemed safe for pedestrian access. Fishermen in Alderney will regain unhindered access to the slipway once the new barrier is installed. No specific compliance deadlines or penalties are associated with this infrastructure notice.

Source document (simplified)

Tuesday 31 March 2026

After damage to Alderney breakwater caused by Storm Goretti earlier this year, plans are being put in place to enable fishermen in Alderney to have unhindered and unsupervised access to use the breakwater slipway to land their catch.

Currently, the swing gate providing access to the breakwater has had to remain closed to the public to avoid any risk of injury to anyone walking on the structure. However, the location of the swing gate also means that access to the slipway is currently restricted, despite the slipway not being damaged.

Guernsey's Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure will be installing a new barrier that will continue to prevent access to the breakwater temporarily to avoid the risk of injury to pedestrians, while still allowing access to the slipway.

There are currently large holes on the lower walkway, which are being addressed as the weather permits, with some requiring more significant work. There is also a risk of loose material falling from damaged sections of the upper wall to the lower walkway. There are also areas of the upper walkway where it isn't immediately obvious to pedestrians that damage extends underneath which means that sections are not fully supported.

Barriers preventing access will be removed as soon as it is safe for pedestrians to access the breakwater again.