The Whakatāne District Council advises vessel skippers that the mooring buoy in Otatawairere Bay has been damaged and is unsafe for use until repairs are completed.

A diver will inspect the damage and advise on the necessary repairs, but Bay of Plenty Regional Council Senior Maritime Officer (Eastern), Isaac Tait, says that can’t happen until the weather improves, and it could be some time before the mooring is safe for use.

“The mooring is highly-used at this time of year, but until further notice, skippers should not attempt to tie up to it, because there’s simply no guarantee that it will safely hold a vessel. Coastguard is aware of the situation and will also send out advice via their radio communications with vessels in local waters,” he says.

Further advice will be provided once the repairs are in place.