In an earlier posting here on the Cruisers’ Net (see /?p=91914), we presented several reports of AICW shoaling and marker confusion at the intersection of New River and Ramshorn Creek, five miles north of Fields Cut and the Savannah River, and near Statute Mile 570. We also established a “Navigational Alert” for these waters. This serious shoaling SEEMS (NO promises) to have impinged on the western flank of the AICW, both north and south of markers #39 and #40.
Now, below, we present a fresh and VERY USEFUL report from Captain Kevin Quinn about how to best bypass these shallows. Of course, over time the bottom strata will shift, and eventually this plan of action will become less effective, perhaps even not all what one should do, but at least for a few months, take heed!

I traveled through this area again on the 28th of July going north and on the 29 of July going south. The Red # 40 buoy has been replaced. Going north (at mid tide) I leave the magenta line in front of Marsh Side Mama’s (that is the docks with the dolphins and the concrete pilings with the white caps) there is 43 feet of water there. There are three docks on the east side all with the same design and color, a redwood stain. Follow the bend in the river and stay about 75 yards of the three docks. That will put you about halfway between the docks and the magenta line, 25 feet at the first dock and 21 at the last dock. When you are even with the last dock head straight to the midpoint of the 39 and 40 ATON. The water drops to 19 feet or so. When I pass through the middle of the 39 and 40 ATON I marked 14.5 Feet. Going through Rams Horn Creek stay in the middle all the way, I marked 18 feet the entire length of RHC. When you come to the end of RHC at Marker 37 it is back down to 14.5. After the 37 marker you turn right to 24 feet of water.
Given that I went through at mid tide you could subtract 4 feet from my readings and still have 10.5 feet at the lowest point.
Going south when you come out of RHC and you are between the 39 and 40 ATON head straight to the second of the three redwood docks. When you are even with the first dock going in this direction do the same as before, about 75 yards off the docks and round the bend to Marsh Side Mama’s and 45 feet of water, then go back to following the magenta line.
Kevin R. Quinn

We just came through there at low tide, and had the same results. Good job.
John Winter

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Statute Mile 570