FOUR more 'super yachts' are expected to take refuge at Poole Harbour in the coming weeks, as the ongoing pandemic leaves the charter market all at sea.

Poole Quay is already temporary home to the 272ft vessel Here Comes The Sun, which – complete with helipad and cinema – has a price tag in excess of £100million.

Now Poole Harbour Commissioners (PHP) has confirmed four more off charter super yachts will soon be mooring up as well.

They are sailing to the Dorset port because the coronavirus pandemic has effectively scuppered the charter market for the foreseeable future, leaving many vessels needing somewhere safe to berth until the market returns.

PHP harbour master Brian Murphy said: “By law, the captain of a visiting ship must submit a Maritime Declaration of Health (MDH) if a crew member, or guest on board is showing any signs of illness.

"But, in these unprecedented times, like many other ports across the country during this national pandemic, we are insisting that all vessels submit an MDH for every arrival, including nil returns.

"Procedures are in place to deal with all scenarios including self-isolation of crew for a minimum of 14 days."

The vessels coming to Poole have been as sea for a couple of weeks, only stopping to refuel.

PHP hopes this factor, coupled with the measures being put in place, should reassure residents the vessels do not pose any health risk to the local community

Mr Murphy said: "We want to assure members of the public that we are adhering to strict rules and guidelines.

"The MDH ensures that all crew members are fit and healthy before entering the harbour.

"Once here they will remain on board to protect the local community as well as themselves.

"They should have plenty of supplies on board, if not they will be provided by their normal specialist suppliers, therefore will have no impact on the availability of goods in the local area."