Prolonged sub zero temperatures are causing even the sea water at Whitehaven Marina to ice over. Marina Manager Simone Morgan reports that the ice is up to 10cm thick (almost 4 inches) in places and although the harbour does freeze over most winters, this is the first time in 5 years that so much of the marina has frozen over. While it provides a picturesque winter scene, the conditions are treacherous, with the marina staff working hard at gritting the pontoons and slipways to keep them as free from ice as possible.

Simone Morgan commented: “It’s amazing to see the salt water freeze over like this – and there’s even mini icebergs floating around in Lowther Marina in shady areas where the sun hasn’t had a chance to thaw the ice. Anyone coming down to check on their boats should take extra care when walking on the pontoons and ensure that children and dogs are kept well away from the ice; no-one should venture onto ice, under any circumstances.

Salt water requires lower temperatures than fresh water in order to freeze; hence it is only when we experience a long period of freezing temperatures that sea water freezes over. Also, in Whitehaven there are a number of fresh water streams that flow into the harbour from the hills nearby, thus diluting the salt water in the harbour.