Skull Creek Anchorages (Statute Mile 553.5)
On 4/30/13, as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 554.5 – who has anchored on the deep water south of AICW marker #6, abutting the eastern shores of Skull Creek? Did you have any problem with passing commercial fishing vessels during the night?
Responses follow:
Haven’t anchored in the Fisherman’s Channel, but routinely pass through it from Skull Creek into Port Royal Sound. As of 4/25 and low tide, water depths in that channel are not less than 10 feet.
Peg and Jim Healy aboard Sanctuary
We have spent a few nights anchored in the East channel, South of marker `6’, in Skull Creek. We usually drop the hook just below the small island where the depth is marked as 13 feet. The last time we were there, Verizon wireless service was very limited. Shelter from the wind was good. There is quite a bit of current so you will swing 180 degrees during a tide change. The small island is nothing but oyster shells and mud, forget bring your pet ashore here you will just tear up your dinghy and feet. Swinging room is limited.
This spot is off the marked ICW route, however the fishing boats as well as traffic from the marina to the south use it as a short cut to reach the Chechessee River. Wake consideration does not seem to be their main concern. The passage is narrow so if you do decide to stop here be sure that your boat is well lit at night.
Dave Boxmeyer
Ha! Yes, this is listed in several popular anchoring guides. However, there are two problems. One is, all the local fishing boats blast through the “cut through” short cut, at morning and evening twilight. You’ll be waked frequently. The other problem is that it’s a foul anchorage. There’s the wreckage of an old shrimp boat on the bottom. This wreckage has claimed the anchors of three cruisers that I personally know of. How do I know? I’m the Captain for the local Towboat U.S. that’s been called to bring a diver out to help them with their fouled anchors.
Well… other than that… it’s a nice anchorage. (Smile!).
Rapid Roy, S/V “Gideon”
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Skull Creek Anchorages
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