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Tinian dock sustains ‘massive’ damage
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Posted on Jul 13 2004
The Tinian Mayor’s Office said yesterday that, contrary to downplayed reports about Typhoon Tingting’s onslaught on Tinian, the island’s dock actually sustained massive damage requiring repair work amounting to millions of dollars.
Joey Charfaurus of the Tinian Mayor’s Office said the extent of the damage to many critical areas of the dock is such that they pose a danger to the public and the island’s commerce.
“Despite recently underplayed reports and combined CNMI-wide damage of $2.5 million, [the damage to the Tinian harbor is such that] repair work is estimated to reach into the multi-million dollar amounts, far surpassing previously reported estimates,” he said in a statement.
The frequently used dock is one of the most important areas of the island as it services both commercial and public sectors, from the inter-island ferry service and shipping, to local boating and fishing enthusiasts.
“Due to the corroded breakwater, there is now no protection for the newly damaged dock. Waves of at least 12–15 feet in height now have an unobstructed path to do even more damage. What used to be a harbor of refuge is now considered to be a cemetery for owners of the boats Tuna Hunter and Shaka and offers no protection to operators who have no other way to protect their investment,” he said.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the breakwater over 60 years ago.
Charfaurus said the long overdue repair of the dock puts it at risk of being washed away.
“In its present condition, with every rainstorm, huge areas will now slowly break away and slip into the channel of the marina,” he said.
“Until Tinian receives the attention that it so desperately needs for its dock, and all roadblocks are removed in order to expedite the emergency that is now present for the harbor, the harbor and the people of Tinian stand to lose an important area vital for its survival,” he added.
