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UPPER GULF OF MEXICO & TEXAS COAST UPDATES

02 September 2010

LA: GIWW mile 249.0 250.0, dredging

Continuing until approximately September 30, 2010, the Bucket Dredge #646 will be working in the GIWW from Mile 249.0 to Mile 250.0, Cameron
Parish Louisiana. Dredging will be performed 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The Bucket Dredge #646 will be monitoring VHF-FM Channel 72.

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28 August 2010

Port Isabel Small Boat Basin, GIWW mile 665.0 WHL, shoaling

The following was posted on the WG Discussion Board today.

If your vessel draws more than 3.5 feet, do not attempt to enter the Small Boat Basin on the north side of Port Isabel (just east of StM 665). The channel leading there from the ICW has shoaled. There is no longer any transient dock space in the Small Boat Basin. According to the locals, the deeper draft boats docked inside the Small Boat Basin have been stuck there for some time, waiting for the channel to be dredged.

JRW

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26 August 2010

LA: GIWW mile 15.5 EHL, Cofferdam construction

Work has begun on the first phase of construction of a cofferdam in the GIWW at mile 15.5 EHL. The work is on the northside of the site and will be performed 24/7. The M/V Jennifer B. Settoon is on site and will monitor VHF channels 16 or 18.

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18 August 2010

TX: Aransas Bay, GIWW 517.5 WHL, dredging

The Dredge J. N. Fisher is operating in Aransas Bay at mile 517.5 WHL and moving in an easterly direction. Work is ongoing 24/7 until further notice. The dredge is monitoring VHF channels 13 and 16.

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22 July 2010

TX: GIWW mile 522.8, Aransas Bay, dredging

The Dredge J.N Fisher is operating 24/7 until further notice and moving in an easterly direction. Spoil is being placed on both sides of the GIWW. Prior to passing contact the dredge on VHF 13 and 16.

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08 July 2010

FL: Destin Pass, booming and oil skimming

Destin Pass in Destin, Florida, will be closed during incoming/flood tides. Vessel traffic will not be allowed to transit Destin Pass during this time. During all other times, local mariners may request permission to transit by contacting the vessel conducting booming and skimming operations on VHF-FM Channel 81A. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution while transiting the area.

Ed Note: The information above is from the District 8 Gulf Coast Notice to Mariners 27/10. 

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30 June 2010

TX: Colorado River Locks, GIWW mile 440.0, lock closure update

Continuing until approximately August 6, 2010, a contractor will be working at the Colorado River Locks repairing guidewalls on the east and west locks. Work will require closure of the locks from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Mariners are urged to contact the lockmaster at (979) 863-7842, to confirm the closure time, so as to minimize their delay. Mariners are urged to transit through the locks at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake.

MS: Ocean Springs, containment boom

Eight sections of oil containment boom will be set along the shoreline of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, between approximate positions 30-25-31.2N 088-51-10.2W and 30-23-32.0N 088-47-47.1W. The boom is reportedly not lighted. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area.

MS: Biloxi, containment boom

Containment Boom has been set across Biloxi Channel from the southeastern tip of Deer Island to the southern entrance of Davis Bayou. Designated vessels will be on scene to open the boom upon request. Request for openings can be made via VHF-FM Channels 13 or 16, to the designated vessels. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in this area.

MS: Davis Bayou and Fort Bayou

Containment Boom has been set across Davis Bayou and Fort Bayou. The bayous will be closed. Mariners may arrange for passage by contacting DMR Marine Patrol on scene or DMR Dispatch at (251) 441-5720. Mariners are urged to avoid this area.

TX: Sabine Lake, State Hwy 82 Bridge completed

The new State Highway 82 fixed span bridge across Sabine Lake, Mile 9.5, near Port Arthur, Texas, between Jefferson County, Texas, and Cameron Parish, Louisiana, has been completed and the old swing span bridge has been removed. The new bridge provides a horizontal clearance of 114 feet between fenders and a vertical clearance of 65.1 feet above Mean High Water, elevation 1.17 feet, North American Vertical
Datum of 1988.

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29 June 2010

FL: Steinhatchee River, hazard to navigation

Steinhatchee River DBN 16 has been reported destroyed and submerged at high tide.

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24 June 2010

FL: St. Andrew Bay, floating hard deflection boom

Deployment of approximately 71,000 feet of floating hard deflection boom has begun in the Bay County, Florida Coastal Waters. This would include St. Andrew Bay and surrounding waters. Approximately 61 sites have been designated. A listing of these sites may be found in the 8th District Gulf Coast Local Notice to Mariners 25/10.

AL: Perido Pass, booming and oil skimming

During incoming tides, vessel traffic will not be allowed to transit Perdido Pass. During all other times, local mariners will be permitted to transit the area. Mariners are advised there is extensive booming and oil skimming operations in the vicinity of Perdido Pass including areas throughout the back bays. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area.

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17 June 2010

FL: Pensacola Pass, booming and oil skimming

During incoming tides, vessel traffic will not be allowed to transit Pensacola Pass. During all other times, local mariners may request permission to transit by condtacting the vessel conducting booming on VHF-FM Channel 78. There are extensive booming and oil skimming operations in the vicinity of Pensacola Pass including areas throughout the back bays. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution while transiting the area.

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03 June 2010

MS: Ocean Springs, Oil Containment Boom

Eight sections of oil containment boom will be set along the shoreline of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, between approximate positions 30-25-31.2N 088-51-10.2W and 30-23-32.0N 088-47-47.1W. The boom is reportedly not lighted. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area. Chart 11376

LA: Oil Boom placements

Booming operations are being conducted in the following areas: Caminada Pass, Barataria Pass, Coup Abel, Four Bayou Pass, Grand Isle, Lake Pelto, Port Fourchon, Terrebone Bay, Timbalier Bay, Caminada Bay, Carrlou Lake, Port of Venice, Tiger Pass, Baptiste Collette, Rigolets, Venice Jump, South Pass, Southeast Pass, Pass a Loutre, Hopedale, Cocodire, Franklin and Bayou St. Dennis. Booming operations could be anywhere oil or pollutants have been found. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution and to avoid oil contaminated water, booming and skimming operations.

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14 April 2010

TX: Chinquapin, GIWW mile 423.0 - 428.0, dredging

Continuing until approximately May 28, 2010, the Dredge SHAMROCK will be dredging the GIWW at Chinquapin, approximate Mile 428.0. Dredging will continue to the east to approximate Mile 423.0. Floating and submerged dredging pipelines will extend to the placement area; dredge lines will cross the GIWW. Dredge tenders, anchor barges and other vessels will also be working with the dredge. Dredging will be performed 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Mariners are urged to contact the dredge 15-minutes prior to passing, the Dredge SHAMROCK will be monitoring VHF-FM Channels 16 or 79, or by calling (361) 920-7000 Mariners are urged to transit the area of dredging operations at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after making passing agreement have been made.

TX: Matagorda Ship Channel and GIWW, dredging

Continuing until further notice, the Dredge MIKE HOOKS will be dredging in the Matagorda Ship Channel and GIWW. The Dredge MIKE HOOKS will utilize placement areas along the GIWW. Floating and submerged dredging pipelines will extend to the placement areas; dredge lines may cross the GIWW or Matagorda Ship Channel. There will also be dredge tenders, anchor barges and other vessels working with this project. Mariners should contact the Dredge MIKE HOOKS 30-minutes prior to passing. Dredging will be performed 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The Dredge MIKE HOOKS will be monitoring VHF-FM Channel 16 or (337) 342-7300. Mariners are urged to transit the area at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made.

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08 April 2010

TX: GIWW mile 376.0 WHL, wreck adrift

A 15-foot F/V has been reported capsized and adrift in the GIWW near Mile 376.0, WHL, in approximate position 29-09-46.0N 095-07-53.0W, on March 31, 2010. The wreck has a white hull and is reportedly not marked. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area and report any sightings to their nearest U.S. Coast Guard unit.

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26 March 2010

AL: Foley Beach Bridge, GIWW mile 158.7 EHL, reduced clearance

Beginning April 12, 2010, the Baldwin County Toll Bridge across the GIWW, Mile 158.7, EHL, at Foley Beach, Alabama, will undergo painting operations. Work will involve a use of a hydraulically actuated platform that will be suspended from the bridge from a truck on the bridge deck. The platform will reduce the vertical clearance by approximately 5 feet. Mariners who require the full vertical clearance for safe passage may
contact the bridge superintendent at (334) 657-6139, to request the platform to be removed. Work will be conducted during daylight hours only, 7-days a week, through about May 12, 2010. Mariners are urged to be alert of the reduced vertical clearance and exercise caution when transiting the bridge.

Ed Note: This bridge has a charted clearance of 73'. Please craft should not be impacted by this reducted clearance.

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18 March 2010

Ft. Walton Beach, GIWW mile 223 EHL, Brooks Bridge, reduced clearance

Beginning May 2010, the State Route 85 (US 98) fixed span bridge (Brooks Bridge) across the GIWW, Mile 223.0, EHL, at Fort Walton Beach, Florida, will undergo painting operations. Work will involve scaffolding and containment drapes that will be suspended from the bridge, reducing the vertical clearance across the navigation channel and the entire waterway. Exact dimensions of the equipment and vertical clearance
reductions have not yet been determined. Up-to-date information will be published as it becomes available.

Ed Note: The charted fixed vertical clearance of this bridge is 50 feet.

LA: GIWW mile 95.5 WHL, shoaling

Shoaling has been reported in the GIWW near Mile 95.5, WHL, in the vicinity of 20 Grand Point. The shoaling has been marked with a green buoy numbered 1A. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in this area.

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04 March 2010

LA: GIWW mile 122.5, hazard to navigation

A white partially submerged tank has been reported adrift in the GIWW near Mile 122.5, WHL, in approximate position 29-45-26.0N 091-36-09.0W, on March 1, 2010. The obstruction may have sunk in the vicinity of Mile 122.5. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area and report any findings to their nearest U.S. Coast Guard unit.

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05 February 2010

FL: "The Big Bend", Hernando Beach Channel, dredging

Orion Dredging Services, has commenced hydraulic and mechanical rock dredging operations from Hernando Beach Channel DBN 1 (LLNR 27505) to Hernando Beach Channel DBN 76 (LLNR 27820) with the Dredge "WILDCAT" in the Hernando Beach Channel, Hernando Beach, Florida on November 16, 2009.

The dredging operations will be during the daylight hours only (Sunrise to Sunset) Monday through Sunday (7 days per week) until approximately June 30, 2010.

Other vessels used - tender boat the Contender and a rock dredging barge. There will be floating rubber and submerged polyethylene pipeline associated with the dredging operation. Pipeline and vessels will be visibly lighted and marked according to Coast Guard regulations.

The dredge will monitor VHF radio channels 13, 16 and working channel 74, the dredge "WILDCAT" can be reached at cell (904) 521-1583.

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21 January 2010

LA: GIWW Mile 245.5 - 244.7, hazard to navigation

A report of a possible lost rudder has been reported on the north bank of the GIWW between Mile 245.5 and Mile 244.7, WHL. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in the area.

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28 December 2009

LA: GIWW Mile 232.8 WHL, obstruction to navigation

An exposed pipeline has been reported in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway near Mile 232.8, WHL. The pipe is visible and not marked. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in this area.

LA: GIWW Mile 73.0 - 78.0, WHL, levee work

Continuing until approximately June 2010, a contractor will be performing stone placement to the south side of the levee, in the GIWW between approximate Mile 73.0 and Mile 78.0, for coastal restoration. Work will be performed 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. The work will consist of barges, fleeting area and floating plant and the work will be conducted outside the main channel. The M/V HARVEY MCGEORGE will be monitoring VHF-FM Channels 07 or 13. For up-to-date information, mariners can contact MSU Morgan City at (985) 380-5320. Mariners are urged to transit the area at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake and proceed with caution after passing arrangements have been made.

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11 December 2009

FL: GIWW Mile 351.4 EHL, Apalachicola River Mile 0, bridge repair

The northwest fender of the SR 98 highway fixed span bridge (John Gorrie Bride) across the GIWW, Mile 351.4, EHL (Apalachicola River Mile 0.0) near Apalachicola has been severely damaged as the result of a vessel allision.

UPDATE: Repairs, previously reported to begin about October 15, 2009, have been delayed. When repairs are commenced, a 25-foot by 50-foot utility barge, a 30-foot by 90-foot crane barge and the 14-foot by 30-foot Tug LITTLE LUCY will be on the construction site. An 8-foot by 20-foot work barge will work in the channel during daylight hours from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., on weekdays. The work barge will be moved from the channel for vessels requiring full channel width for safe passage. Mariners should contact the M/V LITTLE LUCY on VHF-FM Channel 16, to request channel clearance or for other passing instructions. While work is in progress, mariners are requested to exercise caution when transiting the work site and to pass at their slowest safe speed to minimize wake.

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07 December 2009

Florida "Big Bend", Gulf of Mexico, nav aids removed

When approaching Steinhatchee today I noticed that R18 was missing. I asked Charley at Sea Hag Marina about it. He said that the Coast Guard had removed all the big bend buoys R22 through R14. They claimed they were not actually providing any useful navigation aid. You may want to check this out.

Bill Root
M/V Tucdandu

Ed Note: These nav aids did not appear when viewing current charts on NOAA's on-line Chart Viewer.

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03 December 2009

GIWW Mile 290.8, EHL, Smack Bayou, anchoring report

We anchored in Smack Bayou Monday night. (Dec 1, 09) Be advised that the charted 8 foot pool that is around the point to starboard has two permanent mooring balls in the middle and partially submerged wreck on the east side. We anchored west and slightly behind the mooring balls in about 8 feet at mid tide. Protection is excellent. However, there is some shoaling coming from the shore line, so I would suggest anchoring ahead of the mooring balls in deeper water to avoid swinging over a shoal.

An option is to anchor in the first pool after the entrance. A trawler was anchored on the west side of that pool and seemed to do fine. Be aware there is a partially submerged wreck at the far end of that pool.

Bill Root
MV Tucandu

GIWW from Mobile to Ft. Walton, shoaling and anchorages

For those behind us, be aware that the marked shoal on the green side of the channel, just past the marina east of MM 165, extends farther out than charted. I suggest favoring the reds MM 165 to MM 167.

Ingrams Bayou anchorage MM164.0 is wonderful. Go all the way in to the charted six foot pool at the back. We found minimum seven feet in the entire pool, except for one short six foot section at the very opening of this pool. Protection is great from all sides, and plenty of swinging room. Several places on shore to land a dog. I suggest getting there early. We arrived about 1500 to find one boat in the back pool. By 1600 we had been joined by five more sailboats.

We are anchored tonight behind Spectre Island MM 217.4. Enter west of G51 per Skipper Bob, watch your depth carefully as the shoal to the east side is very shallow. We found six feet all the way in, ten feet behind island between it and the barrier island. Barrier island is restricted, but Spectre island is sand, so walking dog should be OK. Alternative is eight foot charted pool east of Spectre Island and along barrier island at 30 24 07N, 86 41 43W

Travel safe

Bill Root
MV Tucandu

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11 November 2009

LA: GIWW mile 6.0 - 8.0 WHL, construction

Continuing until approximately April 30, 2013, construction has begun in the GIWW approximate Mile 6.0, WHL to approximate Mile 8.0, WHL. Barges and support vessels will be in the vicinity. Construction will be performed 24-hours a day, 6-days a week. For up-to-information, mariners can contact the project manager at (504) 941-7400. Mariners are urged to transit the area with extreme caution.
Chart 11367

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31 October 2009

TX: Galveston Channel, Pelican Island Causeway Bridge

The Pelican Island Causeway Bascule Span Bridge across the Galveston Channel, mile 4.5 (Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Mile 356.1) is operating on generator power which causes lengthy delays in the process of raising the bascule span. Mariners are urged to contact the bridge well in advance of arrival to request an opening of the draw.

Mariners are reminded that the south section of the fender system has been destroyed and should avoid passing close aboard the south pier.

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06 September 2009

LA: GIWW Mile 6.0 to 8.0 WHL, construction

Construction has begun in this section of the GIWW and will continue until 2013. Barges and support vessels will be in the vicinity. Construction will be performed 24-hours a day, 6-days a week. Use caution when in the area.

TX, GIWW Mile 533.1 WHL, Aransas Pass, reduced bridge clearance

Concrete repair work is underway on the State Highway 361 (Dale Miller) fixed span bridge across the GIWW, Mile 533.1, WHL, at Aransas Pass, Nueces County, Texas. Work hours are from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., and work involves the use of snooper trucks. The existing vertical clearance of the bridge is reduced by 10 feet, leaving a vertical clearance of 38 feet above Mean High Water, elevation 1 foot NAV 83 in the
center of the channel, until the work is finished. Operations are being monitored on VHF-FM Channel 16. Repairs are expected to be completed by Monday, August 31, 2009.

FL: GIWW mile 361.0 EHL, St. George Island Bridge, concrete pilings

Awash concrete pilings have been reported along the site of the entire old St. George Island Bridge. Seven white regulatory buoys have been set between the GIWW and the north pier along the alignment of the old bridge. Nine white regulatory buoys have been set between the GIWW and the south pier along the alignment of the old bridge. All vessels should transit this area in the marked GIWW Channel.

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02 August 2009

LA: GIWW mile 19.5 WHL, shoaling

Shoaling to approximately 6.2 feet has been reported in the GIWW in the vicinity of Mile 19.5, WHL in approximate position 29-41-27.0N 090-10-59.0W, on July 25, 2009. The shoaling is reportedly not marked.

LA: GIWW mile 202.0 WHL, obstruction

A partially submerged pipe has been reported in the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in the vicinity of Mile 202.0, WHL in approximate position 29-58-20.0N 092-46-57.0W, on July 24, 2009. The obstruction is reportedly not marked.

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19 July 2009

LA: GIWW, Mississippi River Gulf Outlet, permanent closure

Vessels are no longer physically able to travel inbound or outbound on the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet (MRGO) Channel, near Mile 36.0. Rocks have been placed at a plus 3-foot elevation across the channel at Mile 36.0, to give mariners a visible sign that the outlet is closed. Navigational aids below Mile 36.0 have been removed with the exception of MRGO Lighted Buoy 11. MRGO Lighted Buoy 11 will be
removed in the near future. For up-to-date information, mariners can contact Mr. Andrew Macinnes at (504) 862-1062.

Continuing until approximately October 3, 2009, construction operations will be underway in the MRGO between approximate Mile 58.4 to Mile 58.8, 1 mile southeast of the intersection of the GIWW, approximate position 29-59-36.02N 089-54-54.29W. This construction will completely close the waterway to mariners. No through traffic will be allowed to transit this area. Mariners are urged to stay clear of this area. This work will may also require divers to be in the water, dive flags will be posted. Work will be performed from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday. The M/V MISS NINA will be monitoring VHF-FM Channels 7 or 13.

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12 July 2009

FL: GIWW mile 339 EHL, Lake Wimico, hazard to navigation

We received this cruiser's report on July 11, 2009.

Watch out for stumps in the main channel on Lake Wimico which is north of Appalichicola, hold to the red side of the channel and you should be fine. There is one stump just under the surface in the center just north of Red #8.


Todd and Brenda Lanning
Lifes2Short

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13 June 2009

LA: GIWW, Mile 15.5 EHL, unmarked pilings-update

Per Dist 8 LNM 2309 these pilings have been removed.

Visible pilings have been reported in the GIWW, near Mile 15.5, EHL, in the vicinity of Michoud Canal in approximate position 30-00-51.0N 089-54-01.0W. The pilings are reportedly not marked.

LA: GIWW Mile 10.0 WHL, visible pipes

Numerous visible pipes have been reported in the GIWW, near Mile 10.0, WHL, in approximate position 29-46-25.8N 090-04-27.6W. The pipes are reportedly not marked. Mariners are urged to use extreme caution in this area.

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28 May 2009

FL: Pensacola, Naval Air Station private navigational aids

NAS Pensacola has established Danger Daybeacons marking rock hazards in approximate
position 30-21-12.5N 087-15-30.2W.

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05 March 2009

MS: Biloxi Channel, navigation obstruction.

The Coast Guard has received a report of an uncharted and unlighted flow through Breakwater Jetty located in approximate position 30-23-18.10 N 088-51-40.97W. The breakwater extends partially into the Biloxi Channel and poses a navigation obstruction. Mariners are urged exercise extreme caution when transiting in or near this location.

MS: Biloxi Channel, navigation obstruction.

The Coast Guard has received a report of an uncharted and unlighted flow through Breakwater Jetty located in approximate position 30-23-18.10 N 088-51-40.97W. The breakwater extends partially into the Biloxi Channel and poses a navigation obstruction. Mariners are urged exercise extreme caution when transiting in or near this location.