Coleraine
Lisa McLaughlin
June 9, 2023
HM 228. Political but peaceful
To enter Coleraine town harbour, you need to request the bascule railway bridge is opened for you. Not a problem, but I always worry that once you have passed through, it will break down and then you are stuck "inland", so we opted to moor up on the delightful River Bann pontoons. I always enjoy river pontoons as there is always something to watch, this time a large number of very energetic rowers.
The harbour, despite being four miles up a winding river, regularly receives ships up to 80 m long, carrying cargos of seaweed fertiliser, stone and wood, and exporting the ubiquitous cargo of scrap metal. These ships all require professional pilotage. Despite happening over 100 years ago, the loss of life of three pilots, drowned after their small rowing boat was overturned on the bar in a storm is still remembered.
Looking after the harbour operations is Lisa McLaughlin. She has worked at the council owned harbour for 17 years and although not a mariner was appointed Harbour Master in 2019. As the number of commercial ship visits has declined she has overseen diversification into storage and leisure use. It was in her office that we engaged in conversation with Denise Walker, the finance officer. The conversation quickly moved to Irish history including the debate about how many survivors of the Spanish Armada lived on in Ireland. My crew Richard and I were captivated by Denise's knowledge and how shall we say, forthright opinions. It set the tone for our forthcoming visit to Londonderry.
We were sad to leave Coleraine and motoring back up the beautiful River Bann, we thought of the three pilots who had lost their life at the entrance, guiding ships into Northern Ireland's longest river.
To enter Coleraine town harbour, you need to request the bascule railway bridge is opened for you. Not a problem, but I always worry that once you have passed through, it will break down and then you are stuck "inland", so we opted to moor up on the delightful River Bann pontoons. I always enjoy river pontoons as there is always something to watch, this time a large number of very energetic rowers.
The harbour, despite being four miles up a winding river, regularly receives ships up to 80 m long, carrying cargos of seaweed fertiliser, stone and wood, and exporting the ubiquitous cargo of scrap metal. These ships all require professional pilotage. Despite happening over 100 years ago, the loss of life of three pilots, drowned after their small rowing boat was overturned on the bar in a storm is still remembered.
Looking after the harbour operations is Lisa McLaughlin. She has worked at the council owned harbour for 17 years and although not a mariner was appointed Harbour Master in 2019. As the number of commercial ship visits has declined she has overseen diversification into storage and leisure use. It was in her office that we engaged in conversation with Denise Walker, the finance officer. The conversation quickly moved to Irish history including the debate about how many survivors of the Spanish Armada lived on in Ireland. My crew Richard and I were captivated by Denise's knowledge and how shall we say, forthright opinions. It set the tone for our forthcoming visit to Londonderry.
We were sad to leave Coleraine and motoring back up the beautiful River Bann, we thought of the three pilots who had lost their life at the entrance, guiding ships into Northern Ireland's longest river.