Locals have commented that a conspiracy is afoot, “Are the oil barons really so desperate as to start drilling in Scilly?” The answer, of course, is no. This extraordinary picture shows a drilling platform boring down into Bartholomew ledge between St Mary’s and St Agnes.
Trinity House have contracted them to bore a base for a buoy on the ledges, probably as a result of the Albatros disaster of 1997.
The drilling platform was towed into The Islands earlier this week, prompting much speculation from Islanders. The platform was then seen to anchor off Tresco. The final piece of the puzzle was completed when the Trinity House vessel, Mermaid, steamed into view and it became apparent that the body responsible for navigational marks was working in the area.
The Trinity House vessel ‘Mermaid’ undertaking work in the Islands earlier this Summer.
It is not known exactly what work is being carried out on Bartholomew’s ledge, the most likely explanation is that the Bartholomew buoy is having new foundations drilled for extra security. Bartholomew ledge became infamous when a massive cruise liner, The Albatross, hit the ledge while under guidance of the pilot vessel in 1997. A 40-foot gash was ripped in her starboard hull and the ship had to limp back to moor in St. Mary’s roads. Her German passengers had to be transported back to the mainland on the Scillonian III.
It is thought unlikely that a drilling platform would be brought in for just a single project so it is possible that the rig will undertake further work while it is here. It is known that Trinity house have been working on the Islands in particular recently. Scilly News reported in August of two new marker buoys being laid. There are also plans for a structure resembling St. Martins day mark being built on a reef near Annett in the western rocks to help shipping approaching the Islands from the East.
“small”Main Photo courtesy of John Peacock / St. Agnes boating./span