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The low tide saw many boaties beached up and stuck at the sandbars. Photos used with permission: Lucinda Coast guard QF-14
By Victoria Velton
Boaties using the Dungeness Point crossing are being urged to check the tides carefully after numerous boats found themselves stuck on the sandbar on August 11th and again on August 12th.
During a very low tide, a drone photographed the exit from Dungeness to the sea, showing blockages of the channel through the sandbar at the western ends of the two deeper sections. The photograph also showed 11 boats stuck on the sandbar after attempting to cross and return to the Dungeness ramp.
The Lucinda Coast Guard said many boats became stuck after attempting to push through, with expensive motor and propeller damage a potential consequence. Meanwhile, more sensible boaties anchored in the Swing Basin to await the incoming tide rather than risk getting caught on the shallow crossing.
The Coast Guard is reminding boaties heading out wide to pay close attention to the tide chart and plan their trips around having sufficient water under the keel.
“As a rule, there is half as much water on the bar to whatever the tide is at any moment,” the Coast Guard said.
The warning is particularly important for those unfamiliar with the crossing, as a high tide reading does not necessarily mean there will be the same depth of water over the bar.
The Lucinda Coast Guard urges all boaties to take the time to check conditions before heading out and ensure there is sufficient water beneath their hull to cross safely.
A little patience while waiting for the incoming tide could save an expensive repair bill and an unwanted wait on the sandbar.
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