East Coast Alerts
By Mel Neale
September 5, 2007

Malaria on Great Exuma, Bahamas:
There have been two confirmed cases of malaria reported on the island of Great Exuma in the Bahamas this summer. One was in a tourist who had visited the island. This follows an outbreak of several cases reported in the late spring and summer of 2006. Check http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentMalariaBahamas07.aspx for the latest information. Malaria is not considered to be endemic to the islands of the Bahamas, according to the CDC.*

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

Lockwoods Folly Inlet Crossing (ICW) Shoals Again:
We have listened to reports from cruisers, and this survey confirms that there is again shoaling in this area as of the survey date of August 28, 2007. It has been about a year since dredging, and the channel has again filled in the same area from the ocean side between green can “47” and green can”47A.” The survey shows 1.3 ft, MLW about halfway into the dredged channel between these two markers. Three waypoints are given on the survey to make passage through this area with a controlling depth reported at a little better than 6 feet, favoring the mainland side of the channel. Check http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/nav/AIWW/CFLR/T11.pdf

Onslow Beach Bridge (ICW Mile 240.7) Closed:
The USCG 5th District LNM 36 states that the Onslow Beach Swing Bridge across the North Carolina Cut, at AICW mile 240.7, at Camp Lejeune, NC, will be closed to vessels from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11, until and including 8 a.m. on Thursday, September 13, 2007, and from 8 a.m. on Tuesday, September 25 until and including 8 a.m. on September 27, 2007, to facilitate mechanical repairs. The available vertical clearance in the closed-to-navigation position is approximately 12 feet, above mean high water. Mariners able to pass under the closed span may do so and should adjust their transits accordingly.

DGPS Unusable Times in Northeast:
The 1st District USCG LNM 35 gives the following times for unusable DGPS:

Penobscot, ME Site:
Unusable time is approved for Penobscot, ME DGPS site to install field change 18. Unusable time is authorized for the following date/time: Primary: 1300Z - 1900Z, 6 Sep 2007 (0900-1500 edt) alternate: 1300Z - 1900Z, 7 Sep 2007.

Brunswick, ME Site:
Unusable time is approved for Brunswick, ME DGPS site to install field change 18. Unusable time is authorized for the following date/time: Primary: 1300Z - 1700Z, 7 Sep 2007 (0900-1300 edt) alternate: 1300Z - 1700Z, 8 Sep 2007.

New Ambrose Channel Markers:
The USCG 1st District LNM 35 gives new information as to the channel into New York Harbor: The Coast Guard will be temporarily relocating aids to navigation in the Ambrose Channel to accommodate dredging. The following buoys will be affected. Ambrose Channel Entrance Lighted Gong Buoy 1, Ambrose Channel Lighted Gong Buoy 13, Ambrose Channel Lighted Buoy AC, and Ambrose Channel Lighted Gong Buoy 19.

Sub-Surface Obstructions off New Jersey Coast:
While most cruisers won’t be venturing this far off the coast, it is interesting to note that this type of activity does take place. From the USCG 5th District LNM 36: The US Navy / NAVAIR Detachment Key West will be conducting research operations in an area approximately 90 nm East of Barnegat Bay and hereby requests a Notice to Mariners be issued. The research operations will take place 05 Sept 2007 thru 19 Sept 2007 in a box defined by the following corner point coordinates:
Southwest corner - 39 -30-00N, 072 -03-00W.
Southeast Corner - 40-02-00N, 070- 48-00W
Northeast Corner - 40-32-00N, 071-08-00W
Northwest Corner - 40 -00-00N, 072-22-00W
During the above time frame there will be numerous sub-surface obstructions within the operations box which will pose a severe hazard to trawlnets, draggers and surface craft. It is requested that all vessels treat this area as a no transit zone during the listed time frame.

Susquehanna River Bridge Demolition:
The USCG 5th District LNM 36 states that mariners are advised that due to the existing damage to and the planned demolition of the pier number 5 of the old US-40 Highway bridge (bridge number 1206000), across the Susquehanna River (at mile 1.0), at Havre de Grace, Maryland, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Baltimore, Maryland has established a temporary safety zone on all waters in the Susquehanna River, within a 50-yard radius of pier number 5 of the old US-40 Highway bridge, located at approximate position latitude 39- 33- 11N, longitude 076- 05-09W (NAD 1983) until 12 p.m. on September 24, 2007. In the event removal operations are completed prior to 12 p.m. on September 24, 2007, the COTP, Baltimore, Maryland may cease enforcement of this regulation at that time. All vessels and persons are prohibited from entering this zone, except as authorized by the COTP, Baltimore, Maryland. Persons or vessels requiring entry into or passage within the zone must request authorization from the COTP, Baltimore, Maryland or his designated representative by telephone at (410) 576-2693 or on marine band radio channel 16 VHF-FM. Chart: 12274.

Shoaling in Knapps Narrows, Chesapeake Bay:
From USCG 5th District LNM 35: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, survey dated June 2007 indicates a least depth of 7.0 feet (MLLW) in Knapps Narrows West Channel and a least depth of 6.0 ft (MLLW) In Knapps Narrows East Channel. This survey can be requested for viewing http://www.nab.usace.army.mil/Navigation/018.htm .

Woodrow Wilson (I-95) Bridge, Potomac River, MD/VA, Closed-to-Navigation:
The USCG 5th District LNM 36 states that the Woodrow Wilson Memorial (I-95) Bridge, at mile 103.5, across Potomac River, between Alexandria, VA, and Oxon Hill, MD. To facilitate concrete pours for the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge construction project, the deviation allows the new drawbridge to remain closed-to-navigation from 7 a.m. on Monday, September 17, 2007 through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 19, 2007. At all other times, the drawbridge will operate in accordance with the operating drawbridge regulations set out in Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations Part 117.255(a). Mariners should adjust their transit accordingly. Charts: 12285 & 12289.

Media Event with Dummy Weapons Exercises in Chesapeake Area:
It looks like “anything goes” on the water. The USCG 5th District LNM 36 carries this announcement. Cruisers passing through these popular transient destination areas might be surprised by this demonstrations. This event will even take place in Annapolis at Boat Show time: Mariners are advised that the Northrop Grumman Corporation-s (NGC) Maritime Systems Integration, in Bethpage, NY will be conducting media events and demonstration rides of their prototype tactical watercraft with mounted dummy weapons (incapable of firing ammunition) on the Upper Potomac River, staged out of James Creek Marina, in Washington, DC, and on the Severn River, staged out of the U.S. Naval Academy, in Annapolis, MD, during September 7-October 15, 2007. Operational times are between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. during this period. Events involve a 41- foot primary craft with a smaller chase boat accompanying it, operating away from the natural flow of vessel traffic. Interested mariners transiting these areas, however, may contact NGC Maritime Systems Integration on marine band radio channel 16 VHF or via telephone at (516) 587-0670. Charts: 12289, 12282 and 12283.

Lower Chesapeake Bay Area Obstructions and Sunken Boats:
Transient Snowbird Season begins shortly. These items should be of interest for those passing through the Chesapeake. From USCG 5th District LNM 36:

Windmill Point Light (Rappahannock River) Area:
A 40 foot long pleasure craft caught fire and sank in position 37-36.475N, 076-14.937W approximately 1 NM northwest of Windmill Point Light. Mariners are advised to use caution when transiting this area.

Poquoson River:
A 40 long fishing vessel caught fire and sank approximately 0.5 NM from Crab Neck in psn 37-11.773N 076-22.937W. This sunk vessel may reduce the water's depth to 5 feet at MLW. Mariners are advised to use caution when transiting this area.

Rappahannock River Entrance:
An underwater obstruction has been located in position 37-34-18.9N, 076-15-03.17W approximately 1 NM east of the Rappahannock River Entrance Light 3R. This obstruction reduces the water depth to 9 feet at MLW. Mariners are requested to use extreme caution when transiting this area.

Follow-up on St Julian Creek (Norfolk, VA area, off the ICW):
Sailboat Dismastings, Burnings and Sinkings:
Over the summer we have told you of two incidences of sailboats wandering off the ICW northbound in the Norfolk/Portsmouth area and hitting the 45 ft. power line crossing St. Julian Creek, being dismasted, burning and sinking. We understand that there were no injuries this year, but there was a serious one and a fatality a few years ago, as well a previous incident of dismasting and burning before that. The local power company has now posted signs in the creek and orange reflectors on the power line. We hope that this is enough to prevent this type of accident from recurring. Read the article at: http://content.hamptonroads.com/story.cfm?story=130738&ran=163729

New USACE Surveys Show More Shallow Water in ICW, SC and Georgia:
The latest Savannah District USACE quarterly surveys of the ICW between Port Royal Sound, SC and the Florida line confirm that the same old spots are continuing to shoal.

Check http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/AIWWPROF-aug07.pdf for the complete survey dated August 7, 2007. If you want to compare the new surveys with the old, check http://www.sas.usace.army.mil/navrprts.htm.

For our commentary, check http://www.boatus.com/cruising/TomNeale/tip_181.asp.

Dredging St. Marys Entrance Channel Georgia/Florida Line:
From the 7th District LNM 36: Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company will commence maintenance dredging in the Entrance Channel to St Marys Entrance Channel on or about September 7, 2007. The dredge ILLINOIS, a booster pumping station, one (1) anchored barge, two (2) tugs, derrick barge and floating pipelines will be in and around the Entrance Channel during this project.
Mariners are urges to transit at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements are made. The dredge ILLINOIS and tugs can be contacted on VHF Channels 13 and 16. All equipment will be lighted and marked in accordance with Coast Guard Regulations. There will be a very shallow submerged pipeline outside the channel on the south side, transiting this area will be extremely hazardous. This operation will continue on a twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week basis until completion on or about October 15, 2007. For further information please contact Mr. William Meier at (904) 321-2079.

Shoaling Jupiter Inlet, FL:
The 7th District USCG LNM 36 reports that shoaling has been reported on the north side of the channel in Jupiter Inlet, approximately 200 yards southeast of Lighthouse Point. Minimum depth observed is five (5) feet at MLW.

Florida Bridge Restrictions:
Hobe Sound: Single leaf operation for September 13, 2007 from 6 a.m. through 5 p.m. double leaf operation will be available with one hour notice.
Broad Causeway (Mile 1081.4): Closed for repairs: 10 p.m. Sept. 13 through 5 a.m. Sept. 14, 2007.

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.