THE large cost of removing a former shipping vessel from Weymouth Harbour has been revealed by Dorset Council - but the taxpayer will only foot a small percentage of the bill.

As reported, the FV Gitte sank in Weymouth Harbour in October, 18 months after being abandoned by its owner, and subsequently Dorset Council arranged for its removal on November 10.

Now it has been revealed that the cost of the whole operation is expected to be around £145,000, although this figure has not yet been finalised.

Dorset Echo: Large crane lifts sunen vessell from Weymouth Harbour. Picture: Sam Greasley-Machin

That cost will largely be covered by the authority’s insurance with the contribution from Dorset Council only being the excess which totals £5,000.

Cllr Mark Roberts, Chair of Dorset Council Harbours Committee, said: “Dorset Council has marine insurance to cover all of Dorset’s harbour operations; this claim is not that significant in terms of marine salvage. It is not anticipated that this claim will have a major impact on future annual premiums.

“The overall cost of the recovery and scrapping of the vessel is yet to be finalised but is anticipated to be in the region of £145,000 – this includes the cost of the dive survey, crane costs, breaking of the vessel, transfer to a licensed waste facility, harbour staff costs and sundry items used by the harbour staff to curtail any pollution arising from the vessel. The rapid response by the harbour staff undoubtedly mitigated the associated costs.

“The cost is being met by the insurers, with the council’s total contribution being the policy excess of £5,000.”

On October 2 the FV Gitte sunk, despite the best efforts of harbour staff, and in early November a large crane was assembled behind Weymouth Pavilion to remove the boat from the depths of the harbour, which was then taken away to be scrapped.

Dorset Echo: Large crane lifts sunen vessell from Weymouth Harbour. Picture: Sam Greasley-Machin

Prior to its sinking Dorset Council had listed the vessel as for sale on their harbour website in December 2020, having been abandoned in March that year.

Dorset Council confirmed they have provided the details of the original owner to insurers but it is not down to the authority to chase them for the claim.

Cllr Roberts added: “The marine insurers have been provided with details of the vessel’s owner and insurers for them to separately pursue recovery of the claim. Dorset Council is encouraging the insurers in this action but has no control over that decision.”