Caution To Boaties

Lucinda Coast Guards have reported that all of the red marker buoys at the exit from the Enterprise Channel at Dungeness have been washed away, leaving only the yellow outer buoy still in position. As a result, there is currently no marked channel through the sandbar, significantly increasing the risk for boaters attempting to navigate this area.

Boaters are urged to exercise extreme caution when entering or leaving Dungeness, especially in regard to the height of the tide. Due to the absence of the red marker buoys, it is now more difficult to assess the depth of the water over the sandbar. A general rule of thumb for determining the water depth is to halve the tide height, which gives a rough estimate of how much water is covering the sandbar. This means that, for example, if the tide height is 4 feet, there will be approximately 2 feet of water on the sandbar, making navigation potentially hazardous.

Without the red marker buoys, which have traditionally helped to delineate a safe route, boaters are strongly advised to take additional precautions and ensure they have sufficient water under their keel. In these circumstances, it is crucial to thoroughly assess the conditions before entering the channel. This responsibility now falls entirely on the boat user, who must take necessary measures to avoid grounding or other accidents that could result from navigating in shallow water.

Ports and harbors have confirmed that the red buoys will not be replaced until a navigable channel through the sandbar has been re-established. In the meantime, all boat users are expected to take proactive steps to confirm water depth and plan their routes accordingly. It is advisable to seek local knowledge, check tide tables, and, when possible, consult with other boaters who may have recent experience of the conditions in the area.

As always, safety on the water is of the utmost importance. Boaters are encouraged to stay vigilant, avoid taking unnecessary risks, and ensure they have adequate knowledge of local conditions before heading out onto the water. Let’s all work together to stay safe and prevent accidents during this challenging time.