East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
August 9, 2007

ICW New River Shoaling Again, Same Spot:
The most recent survey of the New River Crossing of the ICW (July 10, 2007) at Mile 246 reveals that the recently dredged channel has shoaled to 3.9 feet in the middle of the channel, half way between red nuns 72A and 72B. Check http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/AIWW/BFTCFR/Tis2.pdf for survey results and waypoints for avoiding the shallow area. By following the waypoints, the controlling depth for the passage through the New River Crossing is reported to be 10 feet.*

*Italicized text above and below indicates our comment. Plain text is copied from the Notices to Mariners or other sources given.

Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine, FL Back to Normal Schedule:
We called the contact person for the Bridge of Lions Rehabilitation Project to inquire about closures at the Bridge of Lions for August (we usually receive advance notice for closures). She reported that the temporary bridge is operating on the normal schedule and that there will be no more scheduled closures for a while. She said that there will likely be further closures in the future, and that they would be announced in advance. The bridge opens on the hour and half hour between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm daily, with no openings at 8:00 am, Noon, and 5:00 pm on weekdays only.

Possible Horn Deletion in Long Island Sound:
We have made six round trips through Long Island Sound in the past 12 years. We have been caught numerous times in the frequent fog here, and a horn is a very welcome sound in the fog. There is probably a good reason for doing this, and those who cruise in this area may know. But if you have concerns, please respond to the USCG 1 st District LNM 31 request for comments:

The Coast Guard is considering making the following changes to this waterway:

DELETE Execution Rocks Light (LLNR 21440) Horn

Interested Mariners are strongly encouraged to comment on this proposal in writing, either personally or through their organization. All comments will be carefully considered and are requested prior to 24 August 2007 to facilitate the process. Refer to project No. 01-07-073. In addition to the address listed on the front cover (Commander 1 st Coast Guard District, 408 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA, 02110-3350), e-mail can be sent to: Jack.McLaughlin@uscg.mil and faxes to (617) 223-8073.

Ambrose Channel, New York Harbor Dredging Info Revised:
The USCG 1 st District LNM 31 reminds that dredging is being done in Ambrose channel until 15 September 2007. The hours of operation are 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. A mooring barge will be installed at the end of the West cut between Military Ocean Terminal and Global Marine Terminal directly West of the USCG station. A submerged pipeline will be installed southwest over the dike to the rehandling area at MOTBY. Work will be done between these areas. On scene is the hopper dredge LIBERTY ISLAND and DODGE ISLAND, survey vessel WOLF RIVER, launch ST. JOHNS RIVER, tug SEA BEAR, derrick WEEKS 508 or Weeks 534 and the spud barge HUGHES 990. Mariners are requested to proceed with extreme caution while transiting the area.

Shoaling at Sandy Hook, NJ:
The USCG 1 st District reports in LNM 32 that shoaling has been reported in Sandy Hook point. Two adjoining locations were specifically identified as shoal areas along the southern boundary of Sandy Hook Channel. Although they are adjoining, these two shoal areas are distinguished separately and identified as Shoal A and Shoal B.

Shoal A is located in position 40° 28- 45.798- N, 074° 01- 01.081- W: In this area, a least depth of 25 ft has been identified above the latest reported Sandy Hook Channel controlling depth of 40.2 ft.

Shoal B is located in position 40° 28- 44.701- N, 074° 01- 00.735- W: In this area, a least depth of 14 feet was identified above the latest reported Sandy Hook Channel controlling depth of 19.6 feet.

Shoal A and Shoal B form a spit that begins with a 14 ft sounding on the extreme southern edge of the Sandy Hook Channel between Sandy Hook Channel Lighted Gong Buoy 13 (LLNR 36165) and Sandy Hook Channel Lighted Gong Buoy 17 (LLNR 35175). This spit extends in a north/northwesterly direction encroaching into the left outside quarter of the channel with depths ranging from 14-33 feet. Mariners are requested to proceed with caution while transiting the area.

While these shoal depths are adequate for most cruising vessels, this area of currents and moving sand is changeable and should be approached with caution, especially outside the marked channel where most recreational vessels transit.

New Jersey Wreck:
The 5 th District LNM 32 reports that there is a fishing vessel wreck outside of the Little Egg Inlet channel located at 39- 29.16N, 074-17.52W. On the shoal, there is approximately 40 feet of keel and 4 feet of the hull framing submerged. In addition, a few feet of the A-frame is exposed at low tide, but it is expected to shift and submerge.

Latest Editions of Nautical Charts Information Available Now:
The Dates of Latest Editions, Nautical Charts and Miscellaneous Maps, dated July 1, 2007, published by the National Ocean Service, is available for issue. It may be obtained free by mail from the FAA/National Aeronautical Charting Office, Distribution Division AVN-530, 10201 Good Luck Road, Glenn Dale MD, 20769-9700, by telephone at 1-800-638-8972, or from your local authorized nautical chart sales agent. This is a quarterly publication listing the most recent editions of nautical charts, miscellaneous maps and publications relating to navigation, weather, etc. with brief descriptions and newly updated prices for most of the publications listed. Much of this information may also be obtained online at: http://chartmaker.ncd.noaa.gov/mcd/dole.htm

C&D Canal Bridge Work:
The 5 th District LNM 32 reports that repairs are in progress at the MD-213/Chesapeake City Bridge, at mile 13.9, across the C&D Canal in Chesapeake City, MD. The work involves bearing and expansion seal replacements along with miscellaneous repairs. The first operation will be the installation of shielding/work platform system under the bridge. However, mariners are also advised to exercise extreme caution when transiting the area due to potential hazards such as objects that may fall from the bridge onto the waterway. The project will alternate work between days and nights hours, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. and 5 p.m. through October 31, 2007.

While this work will not impede traffic in the canal, Snowbirds will be passing through here in large numbers during this period. Caution is advised.

Oyster Reef Obstruction Marked In Popular Sillery Bay, MD:
The 5 th District LNM 31 reports that the State of Maryland has established the following aids to navigation to mark an obstruction area:

1. Sillery Bay Obstruction Buoy A (no LLNR) at 39-05-27.66N, 076-27-07.26W, white buoy worded DANGER.

2. Sillery Bay Obstruction Buoy B (no LLNR) at 39-05-29.82N, 076-27-14.16W, white buoy worded DANGER.

3. Sillery Bay Obstruction Buoy C (no LLNR) at 39-05-33.12N, 076-27-15.06W, white buoy worded DANGER.

4. Sillery Bay Obstruction Buoy D (no LLNR) at 39-05-31.44N, 076-27-06.96W, white buoy worded DANGER.

5. Sillery Bay-Tar Cove Buoy 1 (no LLNR) at 39-05-28.02N, 076-27-05.58W.

6. Sillery Bay-Tar Cove Buoy 3 (no LLNR) at 39-05-32.04N, 076-27-05.28W.

7. Sillery Bay-Tar Cove Buoy 4 (no LLNR) at 39-05-35.40N, 076-27-08.64W.

Check the following article for further information about the new oyster reef and associated problems in this popular cruising area of Maryland:

http://www.hometownglenburnie.com/vault/cgi-bin/gazette/view/2007G/08/04-36.HTM

Severe Shoaling at Entrance to Winter Harbor, VA, Chesapeake Bay, Western Shore:
Those unfamiliar with the western Chesapeake Bay might be tempted to duck into this small harbor to escape darkness or foul weather. DON’T. The 5 th District LNM 31 and 32 announce that due to continued shoaling to a depth of 2.0 ft MLW, the Coast Guard can no longer safely maintain aids to navigation to mark this waterway. On or about September 4, 2007 the Coast Guard will replace Winter Harbor Channel Light 3 (LLNR 14535), Winter Harbor Channel Daybeacon 4 (LNR 14540) and Winter Harbor Channel Daybeacon 6 (LLNR 14550) with non-lateral warning dayboards, worded "DANGER CHANNEL SHOALED" and discontinue Winter Harbor Channel Buoy 4A (LLNR 14547). If and when water depths increase or dredging is completed the Coast Guard will reconsider re-establishing the lateral aids to navigation.

Rudee Inlet , VA Beach Shoals Again:
While this shoaling is not as serious as in the past, we all need to remember that shallow water in ocean inlets can be dangerous when swells are large and breaking. Proceed with care. The 5 th District LNM 32 states that the City of Virginia Beach Survey of Rudee Inlet, dated July 26, 2007, indicates a least depth of 8.5 feet, MLLW across the outbound entrance channel, approximately 300 feet East of the South Jetty. Mariners are also advised to exercise caution when transiting the area.

Shoaling at Swansboro, NC, OFF the ICW:
How will boaters be rescued? Can the Coast Guard boats get in and out? From the USCG 5 th District LNM 31: Shoaling has been reported in the vicinity of Swansboro Coast Guard Channel to a depth of 1.0 feet MLW. Mariners are advised to transit this channel with caution.

Shoaling off Murrells Inlet, SC:
The USCG 7 th district LNM 32 reports that a severe sandbar developing approximately 2000 feet offshore of the Murrells Inlet Jetties, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina has been reported. All mariners are urged to transit the area with caution.

If You’re Really Offshore (300 miles East of JAX):
While most of us will never be this far offshore, those in transit between the US mainland and the Caribbean pass through this area. The USCG 7 th District LNM 31 states that the University of Miami will be deploying/Installing an Ocean Data Acquisition System Buoy, 300 nautical miles off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, in 11,484 feet (1913 fathoms) of water on or about August 8, 2007. The approximately position is 30-55-00.000W 076-05-00.000W, with a watch circle diameter of 3.2 nautical miles. A yellow boat-shaped buoy with twin masts will be deployed, marked as UM601 and University of Miami with contact telephone number, displaying two (2) ODAS lights amidships, Fl (5) 20s. This scientific data collection buoy will remain on station until October 5, 2007. All mariners are advised to steer clear of the location by 5 NM or more. For further information please contact Dr. Neil J. Williams at (305) 421-4656 or Dr. William M. Drennan at (305) 421-4798. (See Enclosure Number 8)

Shuttle Launch, No Radar:
From USCG 7 th District LNM 31: The National Aeronautical and Space Administration (NASA) has requested that all mariners unless authorized by NASA please refrain from RADAR tracking of the STS-117 launch and landing. STS-117 is schedule for a nominal twelve (12) day mission. The possible launch opportunity is August 7, 2007. The possible landing period depending on the actual launch date is August 19, 2007. For further information please contact Ms. Cathy Sham at (281) 483-0124.

Drought Continues to Affect Lake Okeechobee:
The USCG 7 th District LNM 32 carried another warning about the severe shoaling in Lake Okeechobee: Due to extremely restricted channel depths in Lake Okeechobee, mariners are strongly advised that the following should be taken in consideration whether transiting the Lake or stopping for recreational activities such as fishing.

Route 1: Lake elevations have been averaging 9.10 feet and below.

Route 2 (the Rim Canal) is closed with navigation depths of 0.44 feet and less.

http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/conops/structures/2007NavBull/ntn16jul.pdf for the latest Navigational Bulletin from the USACE at Jacksonville.

Camino Real Bridge, ICW, Boca Raton FL, Mile 1048.2, Under Repair:
The 7 th District USCG LNMs 31 and 32 announce that The Camino Real Bridge is undergoing repairs from August 6 through November 21, 2007. During this time it will be closed to vehicular traffic. One leaf will be open to navigation during this period. A double leaf opening will be available with three hours notice to the bridge tender.

There will be four 18-hour periods during this time when the bridge will be unable to give a double leaf opening. The single leaf will be open during these times. These periods will be published in future Notices to Mariners.

Broad Causeway Bridge, Mile 1081.4, Miami FL, One Nighttime Closing:
The 7 th District LNM 32 states that the Broad Causeway Bridge will be closed from 10:00 pm on August 30 through 5:00 am on August 31 for repairs.

This information is not to be used for navigation. Consult the latest charts and Local Notices to Mariners and use prudent seamanship. Conditions may change. Any person or entity that uses this information in any way, as a condition of that use, agrees to waive and does waive and also hold authors harmless from any and all claims which may arise from or be related to that use.