Missing navigation marker a maritime risk

Bay of Plenty Regional Council eastern harbourmaster Brian Spake. Photo / File / Nicola Topping

A large navigation marker missing from an aquaculture farm near Opotiki could cause a nasty night crash, a harbour master warns.

The 6m marker was one of four used to mark out the boundary points of Eastern Seafarms Limited aquaculture venture.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council eastern harbourmaster Brian Spake said the pillar-type marker had broken away at its base.

Made from heavy duty, moulded plastic, the marker is weighted and would float at acute angles.

"It's most definitely a hazard, particularly to recreational vessels," Mr Spake said."`It wouldn't be easy to spot at night and, if hit, could cause some major damage."

Mr Spake said this was the second time one of the four markers had broken away.

"I believe the Eastern marker went adrift last year."

Because of the earlier break, Eastern Seafarms was in the process of replacing the markers with better designed ones.

"I was speaking to someone from Eastern Seafarms recently who said the replacements were all set to go ahead," Mr Spake said.

This is a large Beacon and does present a danger to navigation, so maintaining a good lookout is advised.

"This is the north cardinal mark, which is painted black above yellow and a top mark consisting of two black cones one above the other point upward. It also displays a white, quick-flashing light."

Mr Spake said any sightings should be reported to the Harbourmaster.