Firstly we need to thank the incredible fire services that came to our rescue on Saturday evening, without their fast response, bravery and skill we would be about to tell a very different story.
As you are aware, there was a fire at the Fishery on Saturday evening at about 9 pm at the east end of the building. The fire took hold rapidly and destroyed the oyster room, our workshop, long room and offices above. Miraculously, the fire stopped there. The fire service worked quickly to contain the fire, limiting the damage to the building and our livelihood. Our lobster room, our outdoor tanks, freezers and chillers and sales offices have all survived.
We have been overwhelmed by the support from our customers, suppliers and friends. Our fellow oyster farmers on Mersea have offered us space in their oyster purification systems so we can get back to what we do best. The oyster team were out on the river today handpicking oysters, and the first batch is being purified as I write this.
The brilliant team here at the Fishery have pulled out all the stops since the fire to get us back up and running. We will have our spare oyster purification system working tomorrow, the tanks will be full of lobsters and crabs by Wednesday and we have deliveries of fresh and frozen seafood coming in tomorrow.
I am delighted to say... The Colchester Oyster Fishery is back open for business!
Photo: Kevin Jay / Droneshotz